Opinion

Get your intentions down in writing

Posted January 09, 2012 4:00 am

This time of year it’s fairly common for doctors to hear about the health focused resolutions our patients plan to pursue. Typical plans include dropping a few pounds, training for a marathon, cutting down on caffeine and other wellness pursuits.

One important and simple resolution you might consider is completing an advance directive. This legal document helps to make your medical wishes clear in case you become incapacitated. Using a simple form, you provide guidance for what you want done and who you trust to make your medically related decisions. The Illinois State Medical Society has a free resource called A Personal Decision, which contains a sample advance directive form and other useful health care planning tools. You can download a copy at www.isms.org or have one mailed to you by calling (800) 782-4767. Illinois doctors wish you a happy and healthy new year.

Wayne V. Polek, M.D.

President

Illinois State Medical Society

Chicago

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