September 21 has been designated Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day to encourage people to take loved ones—who would not or could not go on their own—to the doctor. Obviously, not everyone will be able to go on that particular day, but appointments can be made now for medical examinations within the next month or two. Regular health care, including preventive care, can enhance and extend the lives of those you love. Once connected with the right medical care, they can find out more about their health concerns, including how some health problems can be prevented and how others can be treated.
Research has shown that many individuals need to be motivated to seek out regular health care and that they often wait until there is an emergency. A physician, however, understands the value of preventive care. By taking a loved one to see a doctor, you can play an important role in getting that person screened for medical conditions and, if necessary, referred for follow-up care. Seeing a physician is central to determining health status and being treated for an illness.
The Medical Society of the State of New York urges New Yorkers to participate in Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day by making an appointment for a close friend or relative. If you do not know who to call, contact your local county medical society for a referral to a physician.
How Can You Participate?
It is easy to participate. Identify someone you know who has not been to a doctor lately and make the appointment. Then take him or her to the appointment. Or, if you have not been to the doctor in a while, make an appointment for yourself.
The day is aimed at those with and without health insurance. If you have insurance, use it. If you do not, contact your local community health center to ask about free or low-cost care. If you need help finding free or low-cost care, visit the website of the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration at www.hrsa.gov.
Taking responsibility for your own health and encouraging others to monitor their health can help you and them stay healthy. Other specific steps include taking medication as prescribed, having regular checkups and following a program of regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
Closing the Gap
Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day is part of a national campaign of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on the health gap between racial and ethnic minorities and the general population. It aims to empower individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and to obtain access to health care.
Too many racial and ethnic minority members are dying prematurely and suffering from preventable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, infant mortality and vaccine-preventable diseases. Educating and helping people access health resources can go a long way towards closing the gap.
There are continuing disparities in the burden of illness and death experienced by African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans/Pacific Islanders and American Indians/Alaska Natives, HHS notes. A statistical review of the disproportionate toll of certain diseases on racial and ethnic populations highlights the need for prevention, treatment and resources toward reducing the loss of life. Health disparities in the U.S. are evidenced by the following statistics from the HHS.
Life expectancy for the white population exceeds that of the African-American population by 5.5 years.
The age-adjusted death rate for the African-American population was 30.6 percent higher than for the non-Hispanic white population.
Death rates for the Hispanic population were greater than for the non-Hispanic white population for four of the leading causes of death: chronic liver disease (75 percent higher), diabetes (66 percent higher), HIV (195 percent higher) and homicide (107 percent higher).
More information about specific diseases and health resources in your community is available from the Office on Minority Health Resource Center at 800-444-6472.