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In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16th, we’d like to address how a basic estate plan can help influence decisions made about your healthcare when you are unable to speak for yourself. While you might already know that an estate plan can help ensure the proper handling of your assets, you may be surprised to learn that a comprehensive estate plan can also ensure that your healthcare wishes will be honored as well! And isn’t your health your most valuable asset? A comprehensive estate plan includes at least four documents: a will, a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will (also known as an advanced directive)

One in three Wisconsin adults is estimated to have prediabetes (a condition that can develop into type 2 diabetes if not addressed), but 90% don’t know about it! That’s why today, March 26th, Diabetes Alert Day, encourages Wisconsin adults to focus on their risk for diabetes. More good news – when caught early, prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and increased activity levels. Attend a free health education session on Diabetes Prevention through our GrapeVine Program, or sign up for PreventT2, a proven program through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

One of the major challenges of living with Multiple Sclerosis is that the course of the disease can be difficult to predict when new symptoms will arise, and how severe they will be. While a person may not be able to prevent all MS relapses, there are specific steps that can be taken to help live well and empowered with MS. Unfortunately, symptoms associated with MS (like fatigue and temperature sensitivity) can make it more difficult to get started with some of these changes. Managing stress, engaging in meaningful activities and staying connected with friends and family are especially important to address some of the common emotional symptoms of MS, like depression.

As March is MS awareness month, we wanted to outline some of the organizations providing resources and support to individuals and families dealing with this condition. In addition to their work in research and advocacy, the National MS society also works to ensure that people affected by MS can live their best lives through services and education, including “MS Navigators” who help individuals navigate barriers unique to their situation. , The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation has expanded from their initial mission of providing education to individuals with MS. In addition to each of these larger organizations, many communities have support groups to connect individuals dealing with MS on a local level.