Regular checkups have great health benefits that far outreach the immediate results of the visit. In addition to staying on top of your health, and having a healthcare professional check on your overall condition.
From the Center for Disease Control, “Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.”
What to do before heading into your next appointment (see full article here):
- “Review your family health history.
Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit? If so, let your health care provider know. Your provider may also recommend things you can do to help prevent disease, such as exercising more, changing your diet, or using screening tests to help detect disease early. - Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations.
Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history, and lifestyle? Check with your health care provider to see if its time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, sexually transmitted disease screening, blood pressure check, tetanus shot, eye check, or other screening. - Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you.
Review any existing health problems and note any changes. Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?
-Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool, or menstrual cycle changes?
-Have your eating habits changed?
-Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, distress, or sleeping problems?
-If so, note when the change began, how it’s different from before, and any other observation that you think might be helpful.”
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure to schedule your annual health exam today. With 6 locations, UNI Urgent Care is here for you. Stop by, call or email today.