Life is full of certainties and probabilities and among those is sickness. At some point in your life you will either be a patient or a friend visiting a patient. Many of us will find ourselves visiting the ill in hopes to brighten their mood or show that we care. While visiting the sick isn't something we look forward to it is our duty as compassionate human beings. Regardless of how many times you've sit next to an ailing friend or relative, the experience can be a little daunting. Illness is something we naturally fear and seeing loved ones at a low part in their life is painful and unnerving. While you may never "get used to" situations likes these there are a few things you can do to make the experience better for you and the patient. These tips can help you make the most out of your visit.

• Make Plans: For those who are in a hospital or confined to their home due to illness, a visit can brighten their day. However, the fact that they enjoy company doesn't mean they want it all the time. Try to skip the unannounced visits and instead give them a phone call before you show up. This will give them something to look forward as well as a chance to prepare for your visit. They may want to wash up, comb their hair, or change their clothes. There is also the possibility that your visit, while welcomed, isn't something they are up to that particular day. They may have had several visits that day and are just simply to run down to have company again. You will both get the most out of your visit if you let them call the shots.

• Know and Follow the Rules: Whether the patient is at home or in a hospital there are bound to be rules that regulate your visit. By familiarizing your self with the rules you will avoid a stress filled visit. Call the hospital, caregiver, or patient and ask the following questions if they pertain to your visit:

• What are the visiting hours?

• Is there a maximum amount of visitors allowed?

• Are children allowed?

• Are pets allowed?

• Are there any dietary restrictions?

• Can you bring outside food or beverages?

• Are plants or flowers okay?

• Don't Over Stay Your Welcome: While an hour may fly when your hanging out with friends and family, when it comes to visiting the sick an hour can be excruciating. Depending on the patient, twenty minutes can be a long enough. Keep an eye on the sick friend or family member and when they seem to get a little tired and don't seem to be enjoying the company consider leaving. Don't be offended or feel that your visit wasn't welcome. Sometimes they simply don't have the energy for company and are just happy to see your face for a few minutes. If they want you to stay, by all means oblige them, but if they seem to be giving you the hint to leave then take your cue and leave.

• Offer Your Assistance: Ask the patient if there is anything you can do for them. Being sick often means not have the ability or energy to do simple everyday tasks. They may just want someone to help them brush their hair, help them look a little more presentable, or grab a magazine to help pass the time.

• Don't Dwell on Their Illness: Chances are that they have had more than enough conversations about their health and explaining it over and over is taking it's toll on them emotionally. Unless they decide to clue you in on what exactly is going on, try to stay away from conversations about their present condition. A visitor is like a breath of fresh air from the outside world. Don't dwell on the negative if they patient is trying to stay positive.

• Bring a Gift: Something as simple as a card or even a new pair of pajama pants can brighten their day. Bring a small gift when you visit to help lift their spirit. It doesn't need to cost you much. The following are great gifts that won't break your wallet:

• A cheerful "just thinking of you" or "get well" card

• A Fruit Basket

• A Green Plant (flowers tend to take up a lot of oxygen and therefore aren't always recommended)

• Magazine/Reading Book/ Book of puzzles

• Homemade Food. (Make sure they are allowed to eat what you bring.)