Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office?

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Q: During my holiday get-togethers, I’m thinking of asking about our family’s health history. Is there a good way to do this?

A: When families gather for the holidays, it’s more than just a time to celebrate, it’s also a unique opportunity to learn about your shared health history. Having multiple generations in one place makes it easier to ask questions and gather details that might otherwise be forgotten or overlooked.

Understanding your family’s medical history can help you and your health care provider identify patterns or risks for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or certain cancers. These conversations don’t need to be formal. A simple question like, “Did Grandpa have any heart issues?” can open the door to valuable insights.

Once you’ve gathered information, don’t forget to write it down or use a digital tool to track it. Then, share it with your health care provider at your next visit. They can use it to guide preventive care, recommend screenings or offer lifestyle changes that support long-term health.

Talking about health history might not be a typical holiday tradition but it’s one that could help protect your family’s future and make the holidays even more meaningful.

— Kristine Niles, PA-C, Samaritan InterCommunity Health Clinic – Albany

Q: I’ve been hearing more about RSV and am wondering what I need to know to protect my little ones.

A: RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common illness that affects nearly all children by age 2. Most children experience mild symptoms like runny nose, cough, fever and reduced appetite. For infants under 6 months and children with underlying health conditions, RSV can cause more serious illness, including difficulty breathing, dehydration or hospitalization.

The virus surges in the fall and winter so it’s important to be aware of symptoms and prevention options. FDA-approved injections are available to protect infants. Vaccines are available and recommended during pregnancy. Alternatively, children can receive a shot after birth to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. This isn’t a vaccine but contains antibodies that help attack the virus quickly if a child becomes infected.

If you suspect your child may be sick with RSV, monitor symptoms closely. Mild cases usually resolve within one to two weeks. However, if your child is breathing very fast, struggling to breathe or showing signs of dehydration, contact your provider right away.

If you’re expecting or have a young child, talk to your provider about RSV protection options. These tools can make a big difference during RSV season.

— Whitney Horsley, MD, Mid-Valley Children’s Clinic

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