Let them know their health can affect youIt’s important for them to understand that even minor illnesses like a cold are a big deal.

Take time to educate

Here are some ways to gently address any issues:

Ask to talk to them privately

See if you can answer any questions they may have

Let them know when it’s OK or not OK to talk about your CF

Practice gratitude

Tell them how much you care. Start by writing down why you’re thankful, and then share it with them:Today, I’m grateful for

because

Talk the CF TalkTIPS FOR COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHERS ABOUT YOUR CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

As you develop new personal and professional relationships—at college, at work, or at the doctor’s office—use these tips to help you speak openly about CF.

| Resources

What about building relationships with new friends?

Honesty can go a long way with classmates, coworkers, and other peers.

practice gratitudeTake time to educate

let them know health can affect you

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Don’t be shy about sharing when you’re making friends. Get the ball rolling by playing some of these games:

2 truths and a lie—Watch them try to guess which fact is false!

Would you rather—Two awful choices, one impossible decision.

Go fish—Any card game will do, really, but everyone knows this one. It’s a classic.

Think about important conversations

Before you get involved with anyone, think about what you want to discuss for each of these relationship milestones:

First date

Getting serious

Meeting the family

When you are dating

Tell them about your CF and how it works

Let them know there may be times when you have to change or cancel plans for your health

Explain any dietary restrictions, or treatments you may have to carry with you on dates

If you’re getting serious

Ask to swap schedules to help you stay on track with treatment and plan quality time around it

See if they want to lend a hand with your CF treatments, if you’re comfortable with it

Discuss going to healthcare appointments together and the type of support you’d like during them

If you’re dating or have a significant other, communication is key.

Important conversations (dating)

follow up before you start datingbefore you start dating

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Any tips for starting a relationship?

| Resources

How do I get on the same page as my professors and supervisors?

Collaborate with mentors in your life, so they can help you succeed.

Discuss your health needs

Let them know that your CF makes you more sensitive to germs, so you have to be aware of any illnesses going around. Stress the importance of sending sick students or coworkers home.

Arrange any special accommodations

Let them know if you need to:

Carry tissues or a water bottle

Leave early to pick up medicine

Agree on a plan

Talk about ways to minimize absences from work or class, like working from home. Ask about the school or workplace sick day policy, so you can use it when needed.

Follow up

After your discussion, send a follow-up e-mail summarizing any arrangements or accommodations. This way, they have a record of what they agreed to.

arrange accommodations

before you start dating follow up

CAREGIVER

Is your child in another city or state? Even when they’re

far away, technology can bring you closer. Start a family

text group, so you can all update each other. Or video-call

your child and you’ll feel like you’re right there with them.

Vertex and the Vertex triangle logo are registered trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. © 2019 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | VXR-US-20-1900310 (v1.0) | 07/2019 | www.vrtx.com

Want more ways to navigate important life changes? Visit Everyday-CF.com.

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| Resources

Take your timeWhen you set your appointments, make sure you schedule enough time to get to know each other.

Break the ice

Ask these questions to learn how to best work with them:

What days and times are you most available?

How should we schedule check-ins?

What’s the best way to keep in touch?

Open up

Tell them about any activities or sports you participate in so they can create a care plan that fits your needs. If you think of any new activities you want to try, be sure to talk it through with them beforehand.

Stay on track

Work together on a plan for taking and storing your CF medicines. Try out the plan for a week or so. Then, touch base with them to talk about any challenges and how to fine-tune your plan.

How do I connect with my new doctors?

It’s always good to meet one-on-one.

take your time, set up appointments

open up (activites and sports)

stay on trackbreak the ice