Video: Put yourself on your hurricane preparedness checklist!

As you may know, the 2010 hurricane season began June 1, and most of us know the drill -- keep important supplies like batteries and bottled water on hand, and have an evacuation plan in place. But you may not be aware of the best ways to protect your health during hurricane season -- especially if you have a chronic condition that puts you at greater risk.

Basically, that would include anyone with a chronic disease that requires significant daily attention. People with diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease, and those who take prescription medications regularly, need to have a plan of action for major disasters, like hurricanes.

It may come as a surprise to some people that despite the best planning, many aspects of our health care system can be interrupted in a hurricane. Doctors' offices and pharmacies may close due to an evacuation. And health care professionals may suffer personal losses, making it difficult for them to care for their patients' needs.

Even hospitals may be inaccessible. For example, three major teaching hospitals in Orleans parish were surrounded by floodwater and remained closed months after Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

Many of the people affected by Katrina had done very little to prepare for being days or weeks away from home with adequate medical supplies, along with their prescriptions and medical records.

That's why we encourage you to take steps now to help ensure good health should you find yourself away from your home for an indefinite period of time - or stuck in your home due to severe weather conditions.

One of the best ways to prevent running out of prescription medication is to utilize a 90-day prescription home delivery service from your health benefits provider to ensure you don't run out of medicine while you're away or while businesses are closed. Mail-order pharmacy also often provides cost savings.

Things to Do:

·        Keeping your health insurance and Medicare cards in an easily accessible place, such as your wallet. If you can't find them, order replacement cards now.

·        Knowing your insurance carrier's 24-hour, toll-free hotline for help finding the nearest hospital, ER, physician or pharmacy.

·        Checking your health benefits provider's Website for useful tips, resources and information, such as a personal health finance and benefits statement or electronic medical records.

Things to Take:

·        Health insurance/Medicare I.D. cards

·        Medicine: at least a 30-day supply

·        Medical equipment: Canes, walkers, eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries/chargers

·        Plenty of water and snacks, especially for diabetics

·        Emergency Alert tags

·        First aid kit

·        Hand sanitizer, wipes, toilet tissue, incontinence items

Most importantly, seek medical attention for wounds or injuries immediately - don't wait for the problem to go away - it will only worsen and cost more in the long run.

Don't neglect your mental and emotional health.  If you experience stress or depression after a hurricane, seek professional help right away to address the issues.