I poured myself a cup of coffee yesterday and sat down with one intention—to set up the rest of this year’s health and wellness appointments.
I dedicated the whole afternoon to putting my health first.
If you find yourself waiting to see your doctor until it’s utmost necessary, then this week’s blog is for you.
I know for me, getting your wellness visits in and ensuring our health comes first takes time. Changing insurance plans or searching for a new dentist can be exhausting, but it is well worth the investment.
I encourage you to end the year by putting your health first. It’s important not to allow your aches and pains and unhealthy symptoms to become your new normal. Take your health seriously, and don’t shy away from talking about medical concerns even if you think they aren’t a big deal or they may seem embarrassing.
It may be difficult to remember how often to be seen and by whom, so I made a quick reference guide.
I also recommend keeping track of when your last visit was using your calendar in your phone or your notes app, as a lot of time can pass between visits without us realizing we may be well overdue.
The following recommendations are standard. I am most certainly not a doctor, so be sure to always talk with your healthcare professional depending on your needs and individualized health concerns.
Your Primary Care Doctor
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) suggests an annual physical exam, regardless if you have any health concerns. The appointment will help bring awareness to issues such as blood pressure and cholesterol. The appointment can also be beneficial for you to set health goals. You can address a few topics such as your diet, exercise, stress, anxiety, sleep patterns, and mental health. The ODPHP also offers a tool that allows you to see what screenings are recommended for your age.
The Eye Doctor
The American Optometric Associations (AOA) recommends all adults between the ages of 18 and 65 schedule a visit at least once every two years if there aren’t any pre-existing conditions. Many of us may believe that it isn’t necessary if we don’t have any vision issues or need a prescription filled. However, visiting your doctor of optometry may detect early signs of diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, glaucoma, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and tumors. If you wear contacts or glasses, be sure to visit annually to keep your prescription up to date.
The Dentist
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one to two visits a year should suffice. These appointments will help you stay ahead of cavities, gum disease, and your overall oral health. However, it’s good to note that the ADA recommends individuals with certain risk factors—including diabetes and smoking—will benefit from visiting the dentist more often for additional exams and cleanings.
The Dermatologist
While there are no specific guidelines on how often you should go, a good rule of thumb is once a year. I have to admit I only went to the dermatologist for the first time at the beginning of this year. However, the dermatologist was very concerned that at 36, this was my first appointment to do a full-body scan. I even had a suspicious mole removed, but honestly, I had no idea I was supposed to be going to a dermatologist in the first place. The only way of knowing if we have atypical moles is to be seen by a professional. Moving forward, I have my next appointment set for six months from now. If you are someone like me, who has fair skin, light hair, and freckles or moles, it’s vital to stick to a routine of going frequently. Even if you have dark skin or no skin concerns, checking in with a dermatologist is still essential. Be sure not to make the same mistake I did.
The Ob/gyn
Okay, ladies, this one is for you. An annual visit is crucial regarding your sexual and reproductive health. The visit can reassure you about STI tests and cancer screenings. Remember, there is no issue too small or insignificant, so don’t feel you need to minimize your concerns. It may help to write down all your questions and concerns beforehand to ensure you don’t forget anything.
As a last tip, you may also be surprised that your employer may support you in dedicating a sick day towards attending to these visits. After all, a healthy employee is a more productive employee.
I hope you found this list helpful. Be well, friends.