How can a primary care center help you to stay healthy? You might not feel sick right now—but this doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything to protect your health. If you don't have a primary care physician (PCP) or can't remember the last time you went to the doctor's office, take a look at the top reasons to visit this type of medical practice.
You Need Vaccinations
Are you on top of your vaccination schedule? Even though you might think of immunizations as pediatric health care, adults also need vaccinations. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 19 and over need an annual flu shot, a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster every 10 years (or in some cases, for wound management), one or two doses of a mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (for adults born after 1957), two doses of the varicella vaccine (for adults born after 1980), human papillomavirus (two to three doses for adults 45 or under), and a pneumococcal vaccine (over age 64).
Other vaccines you may need could include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal A, meningococcal B, shingles, and Covid-19. Your PCP will assess your risk factors and review your immunization history to help you to decide which vaccines you need.
You Need To Create A Baseline
What is normal for you? Without a baseline, you may not know what is (and isn't) in the normal range for your body. To create a medical baseline, your PCP may order tests, take your vitals, and review your health history. This can help the doctor to spot potentially serious changes in the future.
You Need Routine Diagnostic Testing
From a colonoscopy to a mammogram, routine diagnostic testing is a preventative measure that can help you to catch a life-threatening condition in the early stages. If you've never had routine diagnostic tests or you think you're due for an imagining study or bloodwork, schedule a PCP appointment. If the primary health care center doesn't offer on-site imaging or blood draws, your PCP can refer you to a specialist/clinic.
You Might Need To See A Doctor In the Future
Don't wait until you're sick to search for and choose a PCP. The first doctor in your area that you google isn't always the right medical provider to fit your needs. This means you may need to do some research before you select one PCP. This can take time and effort. If you already don't feel well or have a serious health concern, you may not have the patience or energy to start from scratch. Instead of waiting until you need a PCP, choose your doctor and schedule a check-up right now.
Share21 October 2022
When it comes to taking care of yourself, some people only think about what they should avoid. However, making health care a priority is as much about preventing as it is about treating existing conditions. When I learned that I had skin cancer a few years ago, all I could think about was all of the sunblock I never put on. I want you to understand how to prevent problems, so that you can live a better life. Check out these articles to understand how to make health care a priority, and when you should visit with your doctor. It might seem like a small decision, but doing a little reading might make all the difference later.
