Your health, your year: What to consider for yourself and your family

Isn’t it funny how days, weeks and months blur together? Before you know it, it’s summer and you’re scrambling to get the kids in for their sports physicals. Or it’s the end of the year and you’re trying to slip in for your mammogram.

If you’ve resolved to get ahead of the crowd this year, give yourself some peace of mind by planning for your family’s healthcare now. 

Many of these preventive services are covered by insurance. You may want to check your benefits coverage for specialty or non-routine care. If cost is a concern, you can also look into PeaceHealth's financial aid options. 

Below is a list to help you think about what kind of visits you and your family might need. Then you can decide how to work them into your schedule.

• Annual physical. Here’s a chance to assess how well you or your loved ones feel. It’s also time to review other recommended preventive care. 
• Sports physical. If someone in your family plans to play sports, put a tickler on your calendar to make an appointment before it’s due. 
• Eye exam. Do you or a loved one wear glasses or contacts? It’s important to watch for changes in vision. 
• Hearing check. Changes in hearing can happen little by little without notice. It’s good to periodically check everyone’s hearing since it’s so vital for overall health.
• Screenings. Have you or someone in your household reached that milestone age (45 years) for a first colonoscopy? Are there any serious conditions that run in your family? Screenings can help you catch and treat problems early. Once you know which screenings are right for you and/or your loved ones, you can find time to schedule them. 
• Immunizations. There are a variety of vaccinations to prevent or lessen the severity of various conditions. Your doctor can recommend what might be right for you and others in your household.
• Specialty care. Is there a non-urgent healthcare service you’ve explored? Joint replacement? Weight loss surgery? Set up time to talk with your provider about the pros, cons and next steps of this type of care.
• Long-term condition support. Do you or any of your loved ones have one or more chronic condition? See about possibly enrolling in a care management program. PeaceHealth’s Flourish offers one-on-one support to help you learn ways to keep feeling your best.
• Advance care directive. While an advance care directive isn’t an exam or a check-up, it is an important part of how you want to receive care. You can create or update your advance care directive on your own. But do plan to share a copy with your PCP to keep on file if questions come up. 

Call your clinic or reach out to your provider via My PeaceHealth to ask about some or all the above types of care so that you and your family can keep feeling your best all year.