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.
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.
A good family doctor is a friend and an ally. Ideally, they are someone you trust with your family’s health for many years.
A good family physician can guide your family through the health care system. They track your medical history, perform annual exams, advise on preventative measures and keep you feeling your best. When you have concerns or injuries, they are the first health professional to see.