In the early part of the New Year, taking stock of your health and the actions you should consider to help minimize your reliance on physicians and other healthcare providers is important. We pay our taxes on time – (at least most of us do!), but many delays, put off, or worse yet, forget about the health issues they must address!
(Written by Robert P. Belin, M.D. Engage Ester’s Estero’s Health Council Member and Breckenridge Chairman, Health and Welfare)
Taking charge of your well-being this year would be best by making a list and scheduling the appropriate appointments. Your health should be a priority! The following checklist will hopefully help you think about what you should be addressing to enhance your wellness when it is becoming more and more difficult to see a family practitioner, or worse, a specialist, at short notice.
Set up or confirm your yearly physical exam with your primary health provider – including,
Home check for “trip wires” – throw rugs, absent night light, adequate grab bars, anti-slip surfaces (especially tub and shower)
Set up Vaccinations – FLU, RSV, COVID-19, tetanus, and Shingles, where appropriate.
Ensure you remain active, e.g., exercising, walking, gardening, playing games, etc.
Eat well, reducing your red meat and fatty foods intake. Aim for a balanced diet featuring fruit, vegetables, and nuts while reducing processed foods and certain dairy items such as cheese.
Keep your weight under control.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive but a starting point for you to have an active, healthy life, enabling you to minimize the intervention of your healthcare provider/advisor.
Unfortunately, the situation will only likely worsen if you think access to doctors and nurses is difficult. By 2034, demand for physicians in the USA will exceed supply by a range of between 37,800 and 124,000 full-time, equivalent physicians (reported by the American Medical Association).
In addition, the US needs to increase the number of registered nurses by nearly 50,000 each year to meet the demand. Locally, the Florida Hospital Association projects a shortfall of 17,924 Sunshine State physicians by 2035: 5,974 in primary care and 12,000 specialists. While the Florida Hospital Association also predicts Florida will face a shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035.
So, it has become even more important to look after your health and wellness to reduce the need for emergency care; it’s so important to be your own advocate.
Don’t forget to bring your list of questions when you have medical appointments. If possible, take another person with you. Make sure you take notes during the appointment and have tests/studies performed before your visit so results can be discussed during the appointment.
Have a happy and healthy 2024.
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”
