As we start another year, there are many changes confronting all of us who are dealing with the availability of health care providers and affordable insurance. 

There is probably little we can do to make changes in our health care system, locally or nationally. What we can do, however, is to become more knowledgeable in improving and maintaining our health.

What do you need to know? You need to know about any family health traits and be aware of any past and current problems you have. You should also connect with a health care provider with whom you can discuss your concerns.

Another way to work with your physician is to follow recommendations for doing screening tests to rule out early disease. There are cardiac and cancer screening options available as an outpatient. A family history of heart disease or cancer often motivates a person to undergo preventive testing. 

Another common preventative test includes glucose monitoring to rule out diabetes. Blood pressure monitoring at home often provides you and your doctor with more accurate readings.

Ways of improving your health that do not cost money or use insurance:

Remain active each day

Eat a balanced diet; avoid fast food restaurants

Stay hydrated

Get adequate sleep

Limit alcohol and avoid smoking

Manage stress

Maintain a healthy weight

Address chronic stress in your life

Get regular sunlight exposure

Home safety

For individuals living alone, it is important to establish a routine of communicating with a family member or friend on a daily basis. 

If you are experiencing new symptoms, do not always assume it is due to “getting old.” Check it out with your physician.

Rapid loss of weight, experiencing instability with walking, bloating, increased hair loss, increased shortness of breath, rapid changes in vision, intermittent weakness on one side of the body—all should be considered an emergency and need prompt medical evaluation.

Family and friends are often the first to notice changes in your personality and daily behaviors. It is not uncommon for the individual or immediate family members to minimize this. Listen to their input and have your doctor check you out.

Use a nightlight in the bedroom and bathroom. Most falls resulting in a broken hip occur in the early morning hours when the person is getting up to go to the bathroom. Also make sure of adequate lighting in living/work areas and stairwells, especially stairs to the basement.

Immediately wipe spills off the floor, and use a rubber-backed bathmat to prevent the bathroom floor from getting wet. Even a small amount of water can lead to a slip.

Consider a medical alert system.

Avoid the use of small rugs and extension cords that can trip you.

Clean up clutter; it’s easy to trip on it.

Involve yourself in a structured exercise program. Consult with your physician about limitations, if any. Exercise will increase strength, improve balance and assist in weight control.

Before you go to the doctor for a visit, document your symptoms, when they began or changed, and write down questions you want answered. Share this information with the office nurse and the doctor during your appointment, and ask your questions before you leave. If you do not understand what the doctor said, be persistent.

Bring any and all medication you are taking (over the counter or prescription) to each visit and show them to your health care provider. This prevents medication errors.

Adult immunizations, especially flu shots, pneumococcal vaccinations, diphtheria/tetanus boosters, and COVID shots, are recommended. Consult with your physician.

Do you have a living will, power of attorney, and health care proxy identified?

Have you set up a call circle to check on each other?

If you are having difficulty with scheduling your medication (forgetting dosages or taking it too often), having trouble with keeping house or meal preparation, or notice changes in your recall, discuss this with your doctor and nurse. There are many types of assistance available to you in Sullivan County, NY, and in Wayne and Pike counties in PA.

Remain involved with your church, community activities and with friends and family.

Prevention of disease is what we should strive for, and not wait for when symptoms or signs of a disease require diagnosis in an emergency unit or during an inpatient admission.