Health & Fitness
How To Manage Your Family’s Health Checklist
Keeping track of your family's health can be more manageable than you think.
This Patch article is sponsored by Banner Health.
Making sure your entire family stays healthy can be a stressful and even daunting task. There are new health risks, vaccinations schedules, important screenings and a seemingly endless mountain of information to keep track of.
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Banner Health has simplified health care to make sure patients have access to all the services, wellness classes and information they need to be able to breathe easier when taking care of their loved ones, with primary care doctors and pediatricians to make sure you and your loved ones stay informed and healthy.
Your primary care doctor can provide essential timelines and information on health screenings and vaccinations. They can also help you break down and understand important heart-health numbers including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood glucose and Body Mass Index (BMI).
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Here are some essential items you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure the entire family continues to live a long, happy life.
Schedule Annual Wellness Exams For The Whole Family
The importance of annual wellness exams for your children, even if they seem healthy, cannot be overstated. “Annual health exams are a great way for us to make certain your child is growing and developing normally,” explains Kirsten Storey, DO, pediatrician at Banner Health. These checkups are especially important because doctors screen for potential medical problems such as weight issues, vision problems, diabetes and heart disease.
Back-to-school checkups are a good way to make sure that everything is in working order before things get busy. If your child plays sports, this is also an ideal time to make sure that all forms are filled out and any past injuries, allergies and family health issues are documented.
Similarly, scheduling annual wellness appointments for you, and any other adults in your family, will help everyone stay informed and ahead of any potential health risks and conditions.
Keep Immunizations Up To Date
While getting immunizations can be a stressful experience for both parents and children, shots are actually a simple routine procedure that seasoned health professionals handle on a daily basis. Given the number of children affected by vaccine-preventable infections, this protective measure plays a key role in keeping your children safe and healthy. Keep in mind that every child is different, so being honest and caring with your kid is important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually has a handy informative guide to make shots less scary for you and for your kids. The best thing that you can do is stay informed, ask questions and know that you are not alone.
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Make The Most Out Of Well-Woman Visits
Annual gynecologist visits are an essential part of taking care of yourself, as they provide you with important information and screenings on health risks. The actual topics covered during your visit are entirely up to you and your provider, but they can range anywhere from contraceptive counseling, nutrition and diet screenings, and breast and pelvic exams. You’ll want to have a good relationship with your provider, and they should take a genuine interest and non-judgmental approach to your health. Don’t be afraid to ask or answer questions candidly.
Understand Your Numbers
Going to the doctor should be more than just a routine activity, and taking the time to understand your blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and cholesterol will make a huge difference when it comes to your heart health. For instance, lower LDL levels are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, while a low HDL level could indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Keeping track of these important numbers will help you and your doctor understand your overall health to avoid potentially serious diseases.
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Stay Informed
Staying educated and up to date is also key when it comes to taking care of your family. While your primary care provider and specialists can help keep you informed, taking classes or workshops will help you understand how best to handle all sorts of sensitive situations. Banner Health offers wellness classes, workshops, support groups and events on a wide range of subjects to help you and your family stay informed, prepared and healthy.
Check out Banner events, classes and groups happening near you!
Be Prepared For Emergencies
Accidents and illnesses are a part of life, and being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Having doctors’ numbers, lists of allergies and sensitive health information readily available can save precious time when something unexpected happens. Knowing where your closest hospitals and emergency care are can also be crucial should an accident or illness occur. If you need urgent care, an emergency room, or want advice from an experienced nurse, Banner Health’s Get Care Now will point you in the right direction.
For those times you can’t wait to see your primary care doctor,Banner Urgent Care includes 47 locations in the Phoenix, Tucson and Northern Colorado areas, and offers extended hours, online check-in, and $25 sports physicals for young athletes.
Find the kind of urgent treatment that’s right for you
More from Banner Health:
What Is Your Office Doing To Your Health?
This Is How Stress Impacts Your Health
How To Stress Less When It Comes To Keeping Your Family Healthy