The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. Back then, people’s resolutions were rather impersonal, like resolving to return farm equipment. Nowadays, we look to ourselves and resolve to lose weight, stop smoking or do something healthy that will improve our daily life. This year, in keeping with the time-honored New Year’s tradition, the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) joins with the American Medical Association to reiterate and encourage the following health resolutions. Changes that we can make today for 2007, to improve our health tomorrow, include:
With so many Americans concerned about being overweight or obese, it is more important than ever to make lifestyle choices that will enhance quality of life. Healthy living includes daily exercise, a well-balanced diet, and staying away from tobacco and excessive drinking. Before beginning any new exercise program or diet, however, it is a good idea to consult with your physician.
2. Prepare for a disaster/terrorist situation in advance.
As the events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina and Rita demonstrated, the AMA and MSSNY encourage families to take the necessary steps to respond to an emergency. Develop a family communication plan for how you will get in touch with your family members and create an emergency supply kit. Then store it in a safe, dry place. Be sure to include a list of important family health information and documents, such as copies of family immunization and health records; a list of prescriptions and dosage; and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
3. Develop directives for future healthcare with family members.
The case of Terri Schiavo spurred a national dialogue on end-of-life care planning. The AMA and MSSNY hope that the lessons learned from this tragedy encourage everyone to appoint a health care proxy to make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Also sign a health care proxy document and keep copies where they can be easily found. Be sure to include instructions about whether you want nutrition and hydration.
It is also wise to write a living will, appoint a durable power of attorney for healthcare, and discuss wishes (including wishes regarding tissue/organ donation) with family members or a designated caretaker. MSSNY encourages New Yorkers to discuss these issues with their physician and to use the healthcare community as a resource to help make educated decisions.
New Yorkers in Monroe and Onondaga Counties can also indicate their treatment and end-of-life preferences by filling out a Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form with the help of their physician. This document accompanies a patient to all healthcare settings and details a patient’s wishes not only for resuscitation and life support measures but also treatments such as antibiotics, intubation, nutrition and hydration. The MOLST form is currently only available in the two upstate counties where it is being tested, but MSSNY and the many organizations that lobbied for its adoption, including the Monroe and Onondaga County Medical Societies, hope that it will become available statewide after the pilot project is completed in 2008.
4. Learn your options in the Medicare prescription drug plan.
Medicare has taken an important step forward by offering a prescription drug benefit for the first time. If you or someone you love is in the Medicare program, the AMA and MSSNY encourage you to educate yourself about this new benefit. Take time to sit down with family members to review the most applicable prescription drug options for your healthy lifestyle.
5. Practice common-sense prevention in light of flu concerns.
In light of concerns with the flu, Americans are encouraged to remain informed and take common-sense steps to stay healthy. Everyone can prepare for the current annual flu season, which can potentially provide added protection in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak. Typically, influenza does not peak in the US until February, so check with your physician to get the annual flu vaccine (It is not too late!). To avoid germs that cause the flu, wash your hands and avoid touching your nose and mouth with your hands. If you are sick, cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue.
These resolutions are simply a few of the things you can do to make positive, healthy lifestyle changes. In 2007, you can continue to refer to the MSSNY website (www.mssny.org) for a wide range of public health information. And without question, you should continue to turn to your physician to provide the highest quality of care for you and your family.
This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, log on to MSSNY’s website at www.mssny.org or contact your local county medical society.
No comments:
Post a Comment