Vitality - Summer 2012 - (Page 8)

YOUR PARENTS You may have your dad’s eyes or your mom’s dimples. But do you know what health risks you might have inherited? Someone who knows her family health history is likely to be more diligent about getting certain screenings or changing her habits, Stortz says. For example, if your mother and sister were diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, your physician might recommend you get a screening mammogram earlier than age 40. Stortz adds that if you have increased risk for conditions such as cancer or heart disease, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your odds. “People can make small or large changes,” he says. “Getting educated on the disease process itself and how to prevent it is tremendously empowering.” YOUR BEST FRIEND Exercising is a lot more fun when you have a workout partner. And it’s easier to stop smoking if your best friend isn’t lighting up in front of you. When Paul Stortz, M.D., a board-certified family practice physician at Southside Medical Center in Bolivar, talks to patients about habits like smoking or drinking, he recognizes that friends make a difference. “When we start to talk about cutting down or stopping one of those habits, we talk about what they do with their friends that impact their habits,” he says. “When are you most likely to smoke, and who’s with you?” Whether you’re trying to eat better, exercise more or improve an unhealthy habit, it’s helpful to have support from friends. “I encourage people to have that open conversation,” Stortz explains, “and say, ‘Please support me in this. This is for my health. I’m not asking you to do it, but if you want to do it with me, it would be great for us to do it together.’” GATHER FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY WITH THIS EASY TOOL My Family Health Portrait is an online tool from the U.S. surgeon general that lets you save your family health history and update it over time. To get started, visit citizensmemorial.com/vitality. http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Summer 2012

Vitality - Summer 2012
Contents
‘Not a Hitch in Her Giddy-Up’
Health Beat
Circle of Influence
Words of Inspiration
Heart Smart
Q+A
Going the Extra Miles
Support Groups Calendar

Vitality - Summer 2012