“I feel fine. I see a doctor when I’m sick. Why do I need a primary care doctor?”
Reactive health care can lead to issues you didn’t know you had and can keep you from living life at your healthiest. Instead of being reactive, be proactive!
According to the National Institute of Health/National Library of Medicine, all adults at all ages should visit a primary care doctor from time to time, even when they are healthy. Some of the reasons for this are outlined below:
Screening for diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer
Looking for future risks such as high cholesterol
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle such as eating healthy and safe and effective exercise
Updating any needed vaccinations
Discussing medications or supplements
Maintaining a working relationship with your doctor in case of illness
Having screening tests done through your doctor can help avoid problems in the future or find an issue that needs to be addressed. Your primary care doctor can recommend which screening tests are needed and their frequency. Some routine screening tests that may be done or scheduled include:
Blood tests, such as for sugar and cholesterol
Urine tests, such as for bacteria or protein
Colon cancer screening
Screening for depression
Screening for economic or social factors that may prevent a healthy lifestyle or access to care
Breast cancer and cervical cancer screening
Screening for socially or sexually transmitted diseases
Osteoporosis screening
Another part of preventive health is knowing your body so that you can recognize changes and report them to your doctor. These might include:
A lump or bump
Body aches or pains
Changes in stools or urine
Any change or symptom that is bothersome
Stay as healthy as possible with proactive, routine preventive care and a trusted primary care doctor to help you navigate the process.
Sourced By: Healthwise
Reviewed By: Capital Health Plan Physicians Group
Posted: February 5, 2024