Not everyone enjoys going to a doctor's office. However, despite the reluctance to schedule an appointment, you must keep up with the necessary visits to protect yourself in the long run. People who see their health care provider consistently are more likely to be aware of any fluctuations in their bodies and can quickly address issues before they become dangerous. If you are not convinced, review these seven basic practices you should not neglect.
Interpersonal Health and Safety
It is easy to discount a trip to the practitioner because you believe your health is a personal issue that does not impact anyone else. On the contrary, a chronic illness can affect members of your family or inner circle who have to help manage symptoms or flare-ups. Similarly, if you are in an intimate relationship with someone, STD testing can reassure you that you are not at risk of transmitting a condition that could be detrimental to either of you. Finally, it is possible to spread some contagions even when you feel fine or do not display any outward signs of being sick.
Everyday Maintenance Checkups
If you do not favor taking time out of the day to sit in a waiting room, at least consider a yearly stop to review vital information such as height, weight and blood pressure. Do not fool yourself into thinking you will notice if any of these data are off kilter. Although you may feel physically fit and keep an active lifestyle, that does not guarantee there is nothing in need of attention lurking beneath the surface. Quite the contrary, anyone can have a heart attack 1https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm despite working out and eating right. Monitoring coronary artery disease can help you adjust your routine.
Dental Cleaning
Many people forget about the link between tooth care and overall health 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219661/ . However, the dentist can gain insights into other areas of your soundness by observing what is going on in your mouth. For example, while sores on the inside of your cheeks or lips may pop up occasionally, frequent lesions could indicate a serious ailment that should not be ignored. Further, the failure to clean your teeth properly can lay the groundwork for something more serious like diabetes.
Preventative Care
A cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly life-altering but does not have to be fatalistic. Annual screenings and bloodwork may be able to detect malignant cells so that you can begin a treatment regime immediately. The sooner you and your medical team can develop a course of action, the better the chances of eradicating the disease. This philosophy is also true for other avoidable development such as diabetes.
Minor Injury Treatment
Cuts, rashes and sprains are usually managed with products that can be purchased at a local pharmacy. It is essential to keep an eye on the wound and the area surrounding it. Swelling, oozing or an unpleasant odor could be signs of a deeper infection and should be addressed immediately. Not tending to a superficial injury could lead to a more severe and long-term issue.
Warning Signs
You most likely know your body better than anyone else. The benefits of self-checks are innumerable. It only takes a few minutes to look in a mirror for any discoloration or unexplained changes to the surface of your skin. If you notice a new mole or other spots, consult a professional to see if a biopsy is needed. At the same time, if something internal seems off, monitor and record your symptoms so you can provide a clinician with a brief history of what has been going on.
Emotional Well-Being
As you can see, keeping track of your physical status is a must. That said, do not disregard your mental health either. There is a definite connection between fitness and stability. If you feel anxious or depressed for an extended period, you may need to talk with someone, which is okay.
A little effort upfront can be a game-changer. Do not take your health for granted.
Additional resources and citations
- 1https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm
- 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219661/