02 07, 2019

Regular Check-Ups are Important

Internal Medicine: Regular Chek-Ups

It’s time for an Annual Check-Up! Did you schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them?

Why are Check-Ups Important?

Regular health exams and tests can help prevent any future problems. If you follow the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you can secure a better quality of life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need health-care.

Where should I do my regular Check-Ups?

The best place to go for check ups is your PCP (Primary Care Physician).

Several world wide studies have shown that continuity of care and frequent visits with your PCP is associated with better outcomes in several aspects as prevention, early di- agnosis, early treatment, better chronic disease control as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, falls, depression among others, decrease hospital admission and re-hospitalizations, and lower all cause of mortality.

What Health Services are Recommended?

The list below provides information about important exams, screenings, and vaccinations.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Immunization Schedules
Oral Health for Adults
Prostate Cancer Screening
Skin Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Viral Hepatitis
Vaccines check

How Can I Prepare for My Appointment?

Before your appointment, try to give your doctor as much information as you can:

-Review your family history. Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit? If so, let your health care provider know

-Vaccination and Screening due dates. Check with your health care provider to see if its time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests.

-Do your homework. Make a list of issues and questions. Review any existing health problems and note any changes.

Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?
Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool, or menstrual cycle changes?
Have your eating habits changed?
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, distress, or sleeping problems?

-Consider the future. Are there specific health issues that need addressing concerning your future? Are you thinking about having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a haz- ardous job, or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your provider so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.

Encouraging Others

You may also want to start a campaign in your community (i.e. a faith-based setting, workplace, school, or civic group) to en- courage others to make an appointment for a check-up or health screening on National Women’s Check-Up Day (the day after Mother’s Day each year) or National Men’s Health Week (the week before Father’s Day each year).

Join the CCG Prevention movement! We want to be your Trusted Healthcare Provider for Life no matter where you are, we will always be there for you!