Your family physician is there for you when you feel sick, but they are also there when you are healthy. Seeing your primary care doctor when you feel fine can be just as important as doing it when you are ill. Here are five reasons to see your family practice doctor even when you feel OK.
1 You Haven’t Seen Your Doctor in a Long Time.
If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, it’s time to schedule a check-up. At an annual health visit, your doctor will do routine tests like check your blood pressure, and make sure you’re current on your vaccinations. These may seem like small things, but they can have a big impact on your health since your doctor may be able to identify problems while they are still easy to treat.
2 You’re Managing a Chronic Condition
When you have a chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure that you need to take medication for regularly, it’s essential to see your doctor regularly. This will help your family doctor track how well your medications are working for you. It also allows you to ask questions and get updates on things you can do to improve your overall health.
3 Your Family Medical History Has Changed
Keeping your medical history, including your family medical history up to date is important. If someone in your immediate family is diagnosed with a condition like colon cancer or breast cancer, you need to tell your family doctor about it. Having this kind of information helps your primary care provider make sure you’re getting the proper health screenings. These screenings can help find problems early when they’re easier to treat.
4 You’re Starting Something New to Improve Your Health
Are you exercising more? Are you trying to quit smoking? Are you starting a new diet? When you do something new to try to improve your health, you should talk to your doctor about it. Your family physician can help you make good decisions about your health and provide useful information to help you reach your health goals.
5 Prevention and Peace of Mind
Your family doctor can help you prevent health problems and identify them before they’re serious. Talking to your doctor about your risk for heart disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and other serious and chronic conditions can help you understand what you need to do to stay healthy. If you are concerned about your health schedule a visit with your doctor (instead of trying to find answers on the internet). Your primary doctor understands your unique medical history and will be able to provide you with a personalized evaluation and, if necessary, a treatment plan to help you maintain good health and peace of mind.
Seeing your family doctor when you’re feeling alright can help you stay healthy. Whether you have health concerns, or it’s just time for your annual visit, contact the caring professionals at River Bend Medical Associates for an appointment today. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate health care for our patients. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our medical practice, or to make an appointment contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
