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TAKE NOTE
A great way to find a primary care
provider is at our website. Just go to
MethodistHealthSystem.org/FindAPhysician
.Cold and flu season poses risks to
everyone. But for people with asthma,
it’s particularly dangerous.
Try this action plan from pulmonologist
Stephen Mueller, MD, medical director of
respiratory therapy at Methodist Charlton
Medical Center, to keep you and your family safe.
1.
Get vaccinated. Make sure you get the
influenza vaccine every year and the pneumonia
vaccine every five years.
2.
Take medications as prescribed. “Your
physician may increase your medications during
the winter, a higher-risk season for anyone with a
respiratory condition,” Dr. Mueller says.
The holidays have a way of bringing relatives together.
With such a captive audience, it makes this a good time to
learn about which health problems run in your family. Doing so
can help protect your own health.
For example, if a close relative has a condition such as heart
disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes or has had colorectal
polyps or women’s health issues, you may be at risk, too.
So bring a pen and notebook to this year’s gathering. Ask
your relatives — particularly your parents, siblings, children, and
grandparents — which health conditions they have and how old
they were when they developed them.
Knowing your family health history can help you and your
doctor take steps to reduce your risk.
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Methodist Charlton Medical Center
•
❁
Winter 2014 – 2015
TO YOUR HEALTH
▸
YEAR-ROUND CONTROL
If you have severe, persistent asthma, a new treatment called bronchial thermoplasty might
offer you long-term relief. Learn more at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/BronchialThermoplasty .Can your asthma
take on flu season?
Heading home
for the holidays?
Pack a pen and paper