Reasons to Book in that Checkup
There is nothing wrong with booking an annual checkup for your doctor, but if you haven't booked one before, you may be feeling worried about doing it. The reason for this is that most people go to the doctor when they feel like something is wrong. If you're booking an annual appointment, you'll often feel like you're heading to the doctor with nothing wrong with you.
The thing is, regular checkups are beneficial for people of all ages. Children will often have an annual check up as will seniors, but it doesn't mean you can't have one now. A check up - whether that's with your regular physician or chiropractor - or an optician is going to help you, and preventative medicine is one of the most important medicine areas there is. Prevention is always better than trying to figure out a cure, so let's take a look at the reasons why you should be booking in that check up.
You gain some insight as to your current health. A current assessment on your existing health is going to help you to understand where you're at. Do you have any underlying conditions? Is there a family history of underlying conditions that could become bigger issues later on? This is an important thing to realize because if you aren't on top of those potential issues, you're not going to be able to get the care that you need when you need it. For example, if you have a family history of heart attacks, your doctor would know to keep a closer eye on your heart.
To update any vaccinations that you have. You may have only recently had vaccines due to COVID, but did you know that you may need to have a flu shot every year in the winter? If you are pregnant then having your tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine updated is important to protect your newborn baby. Vaccines that you have as a child do not last you for your entire life. You do have to get boosters as you get older, otherwise you are not going to be protected.
Reviewing current medications. Are you on regular medications right now? It's important that you review these with your health care provider where needed. A medication that's not necessary may be discontinued, it could be harmful, or it could be having a long term negative effect on your overall health. Regular checkups are a must for this kind of a thing, because not all medications last forever. There may even be better options for you that your doctor can provide.
You need the doctor to help you to make a lifestyle change. Sometimes, you need to make a change in life and being with your doctor can help you here. They can recommend to you different ways that you can make changes and they can work with you on diet and exercise planning. However, your physician may also talk about referring you to services that can really help if they can’t.