A primary care physician is, in many ways, the gateway to a healthy life. Your primary care physician (PCP) can be a resource for everything from annual physicals to answering questions and steering you toward trusted specialists when needed. But a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that a growing number of people, particularly on the younger side, don’t have a PCP relationship.
If you don’t seem to make it to the doctor’s office every year for your annual physical, you’re missing out on a big opportunity to take control over your own health. One checkup a year can tell you a lot, plus there are things you can do before and during the visit to make it even more valuable.
4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Annual Physical
Here are a few tips from Balance Hormone Center’s primary care physicians on how to get the most from your annual physical.
A women’s wellness exam is critical to preventing and treating numerous health conditions. It’s the best time to speak with your physician about your concerns, current lifestyle and more.
What Is the Purpose of a Women’s Wellness Exam?
According to the CDC, Americans use preventative health services at about half the recommended rate. Unfortunately, those who skip their preventative health check-up miss out on many important benefits.
What Is a Preventative Health Check-Up?
Nearly 900,000 Americans die prematurely each year, but 20%-40% of those deaths are preventable, according to the CDC. How can they be prevented? By seeing a family physician for proper preventative care.
Statistics Show Most Common Health Concerns Are Preventable
Some of the most common chronic health conditions include lung cancer, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
From performing your annual physical to being your point person for any health concerns, your primary care physician is a critical part of your healthcare team. At Balance Hormone Center, we believe that full-body health requires a team of medical professionals dedicated to you. Our primary care team serves patients in all aspects of health, from small procedures to preventative care.