Keeping An Eye On Your Family’s Healthcare

Heading into the end of 2021, a collective sigh of relief is sweeping the country, and for a good reason. We don’t need to rehash any of the drama of the past couple of years, but we do think that with everything everyone has been through, it may be time to check in with the state of your family’s health.

Healthcare exists far beyond the scope of just visiting your doctor when something isn’t quite right. After periods of prolonged stress and anxiety, there could be a few underlying issues that you won’t usually know to check for.

As with all things related to your healthcare, prevention is far better than cure, so as we head into the end of the year and start setting our course for happy, prosperous, and healthy 2022, here are a few heads-ups to look out for, just in case.

MONITORING FITNESS LEVELS

After extended lockdowns and potentially long periods of isolation, we can neglect to keep our eye on the exercise and fitness prize. We don’t always realize how much moving around we do in “normal” times over and above any walking, running, or working out we may be doing anyway.

So checking your kids and your loved ones for signs of lethargy, problems sleeping, or concentrating could all be indicative of a sedentary lifestyle. This, in turn, could lead to further complications like weight gain and depression down the line.

Suppose you’re noticing that your usually vibrant and energetic bunch has taken something of a more measured turn. In that case, it could be time to up the stakes on exercising – especially in states that are prone to snowy and icy cold winters where fitness usually takes a back seat.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

The end of the year season can sometimes be coupled with feelings of melancholy or depression as we start to take stock of the year. Perhaps our goal sheet is looking decidedly empty, and where you should check the marks, big empty boxes remain.

So keep an eye out for kids who are a little more withdrawn than usual or are isolating themselves from their regular social interactions and friendship circles. You can find more information about mental health monitoring here.

Encourage everyone to take sufficient vitamin D supplements to compensate for shorter days and longer nights without exposure to sunlight.

CHECKING IN WITH YOUR GP 

It’s never a bad idea to get everyone to check in with your family doctor for a quick once over; this will mean that you’re in the best position to take preventative action in good time. You may find that some of your older children may be experiencing issues that they might not be entirely comfortable discussing with you. That’s what your doctor is there for.

It’s been quite the experience for all of us, never mind the common issues associated with life. The pandemic has rendered many of us feeling powerless about our circumstances, so keep those communication channels flowing and open, and remember that you don’t have to say yes to every invitation this holiday season.

Just a quick public service note. We don’t always get the attention or service that we deserve from healthcare providers, and should this happen to you; you need to know your rights. If you feel that you’ve been on the wrong end of the stick with a doctor or healthcare provider, you may well need medical malpractice attorneys. Don’t be intimidated; you have the right to top-quality healthcare, so know your rights.