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1 5 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G 1 5 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. You memorize lots of important numbers—for your phone, birthdays, your bank account—but how about the numbers that could save your life? Knowing your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose (sugar), and cholesterol levels can help you understand your risk for a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, as you take steps to prevent them. To find out your scores on these vital measures of overall health, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for your annual physical examination. Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals both offer Direct Access Testing. This is a way for you to order some of your own lab tests to help keep track of your numbers. GET SCREENED. Having regular screening tests is one of the most important activities you can do for your health. Screenings can help your physician spot the early signs of diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancers—including breast, prostate, lung, and colon—when they are most treatable. The screening tests you need and when you should receive them may depend on a number of factors, including your age, gender, and current health status. Ask your physician which screenings might be right for you. GATHER YOUR FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY. Why? Certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers, run in families. Knowing how family members have been affected by disease can help you and your physician understand your chances of developing a health problem and then take steps to minimize your risk. Begin the process by asking close relatives—grandparents, parents, siblings, and cousins— about medical conditions they have experienced, the age at which each condition was diagnosed, and the outcome. Then, share the information with your physician. MANAGE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. ChartMyHealth is a free online service from Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals that offers inpatients and emergency department patients access to their personal health record. After registering in person for ChartMyHealth, you can securely access your personal health information, including laboratory results, current medications, and medication allergies on your computer, smartphone, or other mobile device. To sign up for ChartMyHealth, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org/chartmyhealth or stjoeschipfalls.com/chartmyhealth. CREATE AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE. While no one likes to think about the possibility of a serious illness, accident, or death, making an advance directive (power of attorney for healthcare) is something every adult should seriously consider. This document can help provide your loved ones with peace of mind in the event that you are unable to express your final wishes or make healthcare decisions for yourself. Sacred Heart's Center for Spiritual Care can help you learn more about advance directives. Call 715.717.6594, or email mary.bliss@hshs.org. AS 2014 WINDS DOWN, TAKE TIME TO PAUSE, REFLECT, AND PLAN FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS IN THE YEAR AHEAD. 5 ' 15 Thing s for