You might believe you don’t need to schedule an annual primary care visit if you generally feel healthy and can’t remember the last time you were sick. This is a common misconception since attending an annual physical exam is a valuable step in managing your health and well-being, offering a variety of benefits that go beyond a simple check-up. Being proactive about your health is key, and it can start with making your annual primary care visit. Here are five reasons to schedule your next primary care visit.
Early Detection
Early detection of health issues is key in the process of assessing and managing health conditions before it’s too late. Routine preventative screenings can include colon cancer screening, breast cancer screening, bone density tests, pap smears and HPV tests for women, and prostate cancer screenings for men. Cancer screening is the process of checking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who don’t have symptoms and is crucial for prevention and early detection. Consult with your healthcare provider about when you should start screening.
Monitoring and Managing Existing Conditions
Annual wellness visits are important for proactive health issue management and for checking in about pre-existing health conditions. These visits allow your physician to monitor things like blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and other important levels analyzed during a blood test.
Immunization
Certain viral infections like hepatitis B and HPV (Human papillomavirus) can lead to you being more likely to develop cancer, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated. Consult your doctor about getting vaccinated and what vaccinations are recommended for prevention and optimal health.
Mental Health
Regular annual primary care visits also provide space to discuss your mental health and wellbeing, which is largely connected to your physical health. Your doctor can offer support and provide resources to help navigate your current emotional wellbeing concerns.
Build a Relationship with Your Doctor
The last week of March is recognized as National Physicians Week, a time to honor our physicians and the impactful care they provide. Annual primary care visits are also referred to as wellness visits, and offer a time to have one-on-one conversations with your doctor that might not include discussions surrounding being sick or specific medical issues. An annual physical is an opportunity to establish a relationship with your doctor, so they can learn more about you, understand your lifestyle habits, and review your medical history, which can help them make more informed decisions regarding your healthcare.
Solara is a community-focused practice offering a wide range of specialties and services. Our dedicated physicians specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, rheumatology, and more. We are committed to delivering professional, empathetic, and individualized care with a holistic approach. Interested in making a primary care appointment? Give us a call today: 732-724-3070.
published: March 28, 2024, 5:04 p.m.