We all have our own bodies, but how well do we really know them? Besides a few yearly physicals here and there, not many people spend time tracking their health. But it can have a huge impact on your long-term health and well-being, and can help you assess what you need to do to get healthier.
Monitoring your health also lets you know how far along you are in your progress. Here are a few ways you can take control and start tracking your health.
Document your family health history.
It’s important to record family diseases and health conditions of those you share genes with. Families have similar genetic backgrounds, and often similar environments and lifestyles. Together, these factors can give clues to conditions that may run in a family.
If your family has chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis, you could be more likely to get them. Tracking your family history helps your doctor to take steps to help prevent certain conditions, or even catch them early.
While a family health history provides information about the risk of specific health concerns, having relatives with a condition does not mean that an individual will definitely develop that condition. On the other hand, a person with no family history of a disorder may still be at risk of developing the disorder.
Knowing your family health history allows you be proactive and take steps to reduce your risks. The easiest way to get information about family health history is to talk to your relatives about their health. Have they had any health problems, and when did they occur?
Additionally, medical records and other documents (like obituaries or death certificates) can help complete a family health history. It’s important to keep this info updated and share it with your healthcare professional.
Complete regular health screenings.
Health screenings are important because they can help detect health issues before symptoms appear, making them easier to treat. They can also help ensure that people get the necessary medical treatment in a timely manner. Screenings can also help assess your risk for future health problems and encourage healthy lifestyles. It can be hard to make time for wellness screenings in our busy world, but as the habit develops, health screening tests can actually have a positive effect on your overall well-being.
Here are a few examples of regular health screenings for adults:
Breast cancer: Recommended to start mammograms at age 40, and those who are at average risk can continue every two years.
Cervical cancer: Recommended to start screening at the age of 21.
Colorectal (colon) cancer: Recommended to start screening at 45.
Lung cancer screening: Recommended for people who are 50–80 years old, and have a history of heavy smoking and smoke now, or have quit within the past 15 years.
Talk to your doctor.
Doctors need to know a lot about you, your family, and your lifestyle to give you the absolute best medical care. Even though it can sometimes feel intimidating, it’s important to speak up and share any concerns and questions. Clear and honest communication between you and your physician can help you both make smart choices about your health.
Prepare for your appointments by writing down your concerns and any issues you want to address. Track your symptoms and diet, exercise, and sleeping habits that could impact your symptoms. Take notes, or bring someone with you to help remember questions and the responses. Ask clarifying questions, and make sure you understand what they’re saying and why they’re making their recommendations. Questions also ensure that they fully understand you and what you’re asking.
Also, many healthcare providers use electronic health records now. Ask your doctor how you can access your records, so you can keep track of test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, medicines, and more. This info can help you stay on top of your health, but also prepare you for your next appointment.
After your appointment, if you’re uncertain about any instructions or have other questions, just call or email your healthcare provider. Don’t wait until your next visit to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, or anything else that could affect your health.
The body is complicated and there’s a lot to consider, but it’s important to make sure you do everything you can to get the most out of your doctor’s visits.
We hope these steps will help you feel more at ease about tracking your health. At OnSite Wellness LLC, health and wellness is our specialty. Incorporating a wellness program at your workplace can have massive benefits for your employees in managing their health. Contact us to learn more!
