If you’re a parent, you’ve probably timed your family physicals around August or early September. It makes sense! School is restarting and many things must be checked so that your little one can continue to live a healthy and fulfilling life. And, if you can time yours right, you can knock them both out in the same week.
You may be healthy now, but annual physicals are an important part of staying healthy. Preventative medicine is important and here are five reasons why:
1. Catch it Early
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “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.”
Many people don’t go to the doctor unless they absolutely have to, which means that certain levels in their bodies could be way off and they would never know. For instance, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels often have no visible symptoms unless tested for during an annual physical.
As a patient, you stand a much better chance of preventing a problem than tackling it once it’s a major issue.
2. Vaccines
Vaccines have been a major help in quelling the issue of easily preventable diseases. For instance, there’s the typical booster for Measles, Mumps and Rubella and of course, the Tetanus shot. A full list of common vaccines compiled by the CDC can be found here.
While vaccines can be completed during any type of medical visit, an annual physical with a trusted primary care physician can make it easier to stay on schedule. For instance, keeping your Tetanus shot up-to-date can save you from painful consequences if you step on a rusty nail.
3. Routine Maintenance
If you have a car, you know there are certain points where it will need what’s known as “routine maintenance.” Your body is very similar. If you forgo your annual physical, the likelihood is good that you will not know when to check yourself for routine problems.
Some of these problems include the following list as noted by the CDC:
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
- Cholesterol
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- High Blood Pressure
- Immunization Schedules
- Oral Health for Adults
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Skin Cancer: Basic Information
- HIV/AIDS
- Viral Hepatitis
Your primary care physician will be able to educate you on the ages and time ranges when each of these issues may occur and therefore could very well save your life.
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