Start 2010 with healthy choices
As 2010 begins, health care reform is on everyone's mind. It takes more than an act of Congress to care for our own health; many of our greatest challenges involve decisions we make every day. With this in mind, here are ten health facts that we can impact on a local, or even a personal, level.
• Immunizations and preventive care for children are vitally important.
• We can start by eating healthier and making sure our children do, too.
• We can cut our risk of diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet that isn't too high in sugar and fat.
• Regular physical exercise has many benefits, from disease prevention to increased energy, improved cardiovascular fitness and more.
• The best idea is to never start smoking, given the well-known risks of lung cancer, emphysema and other problems, but nowadays there are also many, many options available to help smokers quit.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation, know your limits and make sure you have friends around to help you stay in control.
• Preventive colorectal cancer screenings are the best way to detect and treat problems, in many cases before they become cancer.
• Vaccines are an important tool for fighting pneumonia, flu and other diseases, and they are even more important for the elderly and other high-risk groups.
• There are programs to assist patients in paying for prescription drugs; don't be afraid to seek help. Ask your doctor about resources that can help pay for medications.
• Nearly one in three American adults serves as caregiver, spending an average of 19 hours per week providing care. Their work is usually unpaid and often goes unnoticed, so any recognition and thanks they receive is welcome.
Many of these health issues present significant challenges, but a healthier self, a healthier Illinois and a healthier America are well worth the effort.
Dr. James L. Milam
President, Illinois State Medical Society
Chicago