Take charge in 2013!

Forget the New Year's resolutions that you never stick to - there is one simple, foolproof road to a better life in 2013. Just make this the year you put yourself in charge of your health.

There is no question that people who learn some basic information about their own bodies, and apply it, will spend less time in bed because of illness, will need to go to the doctor less often, and will live healthier lives. Your chosen medical scheme, GEMS, is there for you when your health goes pear-shaped, of course, but wouldn't you rather avoid a brush with illness if possible and be well enough to care for and enjoy your family?

So be a take-charge person in 2013!

People who take responsibility for their own health know which tests they should have and when:

• Every adult should have their blood pressure checked regularly
• If you are over 35, you should start having your cholesterol levels checked regularly
• Anyone who has started to gain a little weight round the tummy should have a test to see if they're in danger of developing diabetes - the sooner you catch the ‘sugar' disease, the easier it is to manage. 
• All women - but especially those of us who are sexually active (yes, even married women!) should have a Pap smear at least once a year. It is a simple and almost pain-free procedure, but it can tell you if you are at risk of one of the silent cancers that all too often kill women.

People who take ownership of their health are not embarrassed or shy about asking their healthcare professionals the right questions.
All too often, when we go to the doctor, we get a diagnosis and a prescription, but we do not understand what it is all about. You have a right to know, so ask what the diagnosis means, what medicine you will get, how the medicine will affect you and what symptoms you can expect to have.

People in charge of their own bodies keep an eye out for any changes, signs or symptoms which might alert them to a disease or other condition.
Your doctor would rather that you brought a strange lump or a funny rash to him straight away, so he can treat it and get rid of it. And it is always better to discuss something with your doctor than with a neighbour or a friend or an aunty, who might give you bad advice!

And people who care for their own bodies and the bodies of those who are precious to them will be on the alert for good, solid healthcare wisdom: advice on how to eat, drink and exercise healthily.

In 2013, if you take charge of your health, you have a much better chance of living free of any health problems!