How to Take Charge of Your Health in 2014

By Gayle A. Roberts, CNP, MSN, RN

Near the beginning of each new year, it’s good for all of us to check to see if we’ve had the recommended annual health checks and screenings.  As a health professional, I sometimes think it has been a year from my last mammogram only to check and see it has been a year and a half! Time goes so fast.

Why not make a resolution to make an appointment today to get up to date on your health screenings/appointments? Take charge of your health. It is easier to schedule an annual test or screening than to worry about doing it. When you hear that the results are normal, it creates one less thing that you have to worry about until the test is due again! Remember that most screening results are normal.

If you are not sure what screenings are recommended for you, talk with your health care provider and please open one of the following brochures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Recommended Screenings for Women, Recommended Screenings for Men. As you read over the recommendations, please remember that the recommended tests can vary based on your personal and family health history, so always talk with your health care provider about the tests you need.

When you participate in a screening, keep a health file (electronic or written) of your own where you can record the date and type of screening done and the results. This type of file will come in handy when you meet with your health care providers.

It is better to prevent serious health problems by making healthy lifestyle choices to eat better, become more active and manage stress. However, early detection of health problems through regular screenings is the next best option so that treatments and necessary health interventions can begin.

Most people make resolutions for the new year. Stopping smoking, exercising more, losing weight and avoiding stress are the most common. Make taking care of yourself one of your resolutions this year. While most resolutions are not attained, this one is easy to do! You CAN take charge of your own health!

Gayle Roberts is a retired nurse practitioner who volunteers for Trinity Hospital Twin City.