No one likes to take time to visit the doctor — especially if you aren’t sick! But really think about it: have you missed your annual checkup or are you avoiding taking your loved one to their annual checkup? Why take yourself or your loved one if you are in good health?
But doctors urge you to come visit even if you are feeling great for one main reason: an annual checkup is part of a preventative care routine where doctors can turn a potentially big health problem into a small, manageable one. If a doctor sees you regularly, they can identify health issues before they require severe, possibly invasive treatment.
Chronic Illness
Consider this: of the 133 million people in America living with a chronic illness, and the CDC estimates that nearly one-third of them are unaware of their condition. Preventative care is just that — preventative. It is meant to catch health issues early on and prevent them from progressing.
Regular checkups are important for the maintenance of good health and could have prevented the pain suffered by many Americans with chronic diseases. Consider adopting annual, preventative checkups into your routine to save you time, money, and possibly even your life.
What To Expect At Your Annual Visit
At your annual visit, your doctor will most likely:
- Monitor your weight and height
- Check blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and other vitals
- Record heart health, respiratory health, skin health, and Body Mass Index
- Request labs for blood count, cholesterol, iron, etc.
- Answer any questions you have about your health and wellness
Depending on your age and gender, there are other tests that can be done as well. These include: colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings; issues caused by obesity; type 2 diabetes testing; and more.
How To Prepare For Your Annual Checkup
In order to make the most of your annual checkup, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- In case the doctor orders blood work, fast at least 12 hours before your appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home.
- Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker.
- Prepare a list of any changes in medications, family history, and any surgeries you have had since your last visit.
- This is your chance to have one-on-one time with your doctor. Be ready to ask questions and bring a list if necessary.
The CDC recommends that everyone visit their general practitioner for an annual checkup, but they especially recommend it for men over 35 and women over 40. If you are younger than this, but have a family history of a particular disease, it is recommended that you begin regular visits 10 years before the youngest member of your family developed the disease.
It is important not to risk your health by putting off your regular doctor’s visit. Many diseases have symptoms that stay hidden for years and, if left untreated, can cause chaos in your body. Annual screenings and checkups can prevent further damage and can help with early detection to allow doctors to begin treatment when it will be the most effective.
If you or your loved one are having difficulty getting to your appointments, Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin can offer transportation services. Call us at (512) 999-7379 for assistance.
