Family connections

Your health is made up of more than you.

Family history plays a big role in managing your health care. Know the conditions and diseases that affect or affected your primary and extended family. 

The American Medical Association has resources you can use to help get started.

The Surgeon General has a great online tool for compiling family health history, too.

Plan for the unexpected

Advance directives ensure you get the kind of medical treatment you want to receive.

Thinking about your care preferences while you are healthy can help remove unkowns for you and the people who love you. Talk with your doctors about your wishes and provide them with a copy of your living will.

At PVHS hospitals, advance directives are discussed with our patients at pre-admission appointments. Our nurses can also help with advance directives once you're in the hospital, too.

To learn more, the Colorado Bar Association provides information and links.

Mind your meds

No one can keep track of what goes into your body as well as you can.

Being a smart patient is knowing what medications you take, why you take them and when you take them.  Keep a list of all prescriptions, vitamins and supplements.

To help you keep track, click here for a medication form.