From the twinkling Christmas lights adorning the light posts along the streets to Mariah Carey singing about all that she wants for Christmas, you can’t deny the holiday season is in full effect. With all of the Christmas music booming from the speakers of every store you enter to every car you pass, you can’t help but catch the holiday spirit. Let's face it; it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
We all look forward to that one dish that can only be made by that one relative. Don’t act! You know the one; that one dish that many others try to replicate but can’t duplicate. You know that dish that instantly puts you into a food coma and promises to deliver a two-hour nap upon completion. It’s a time to reconnect and catch up on the lives of family members that you may not have seen in months or sometimes years.
The holidays are a great time for family celebrations filled with good food, recollection of the good times and an opportunity to plan ahead.
1. Let's talk about...family medical history.
While you are restoring your kinships over caramel cake, use the time wisely to learn about your family's medical history.
Outside of knowing your personal medical history and medications, knowing your family medical history is the next best piece of information that you can understand.
The doctor-patient relationship is just that -- a relationship. It’s a melding of minds to allow for a collective understanding and decision-making.
Knowing what medical conditions your immediate and extended family members have conquered and are chronically managing is quite empowering and makes for a strong advocate on your own behalf.
2. Let's talk about...estate planning.
Consider planning your estate. Many people mistakenly believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy. But the reality is that a basic estate plan is essential for everyone regardless of income.
The point of estate planning is to minimize confusion and avoid altercations and stress. If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of having to figure out your loved one's assets after they have passed on, you know firsthand that it is a very stressful experience and sometimes can take years to figure out.
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Take the time this holiday season to document your assets such as houses, retirement plans and savings accounts, update your will, designate a financial power of attorney, and at a minimum update your beneficiary forms.
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3. Let's talk about...advanced directives.
One last piece of holiday wisdom is to make your advanced directives. Uh oh… yep, I said it. An advanced directive is a document that dictates your preference concerning medical care should you be unable to express those preferences at the time of illness (i.e., serious injury, coma, advanced dementia, terminally ill).
Advanced directives are not just for the elderly; unexpected life situations can occur at any age and at any time. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you get the medical care you desire and potentially relieve a huge burden on your family and avoid unnecessary confusion.
Your advanced directives should address your decisions regarding CPR, cardiac resuscitation, artificial breathing via ventilator, artificial means of feeding, dialysis, organ donation and when you would want to avoid extraordinary measures.
At a minimum, you should pick someone you trust to be your medical power of attorney, a person that will make medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable. Keep in mind that your plan will evolve over time and be sure to utilize your doctor as a resource to help create your advanced directive.
So as you enjoy these holiday festivities, just take a moment to learn your family history and acquaint yourself with the idea of preserving your legacy through estate planning and an advanced directive.
Dr. Chantale Stephens-Archer is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician currently working as a Hospitalist in the Chicagoland area. In addition to actively working as a physician, she has a strong passion for community outreach, women's health education and mentorship. She is the co- founder of Besties MD, an organization developed to provide medical information regarding women's health issues on relatable sisterly level. Check them out at BestiesMD.com
