Annual health checkups are one of the best ways to prevent illness and encourage wellness. Unfortunately, some individuals neglect these annual visits, hoping that they can “get away” with not visiting their doctor for a year or more, but this is very dangerous.
Instead, annual checkups provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about your current state of health as well as ensure proper future treatment.
Here are some tips on what you should do when preparing for your annual health checkups!
Dental Check-up:
You may meet all criteria during an annual physical exam for good hygiene, but if there are any problems in your mouth, you will be at risk of major illness caused by tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore, you must schedule regular dental services and dental checkups to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Hearing Test:
Hearing loss does not become apparent until you have reached 40+ years old, so it is best to get tested yearly starting now. There are three different types of hearing tests that can be administered by an audiologist during an appointment.
It only takes about 10 minutes out of the day, and remember, there are no side effects! However, it is important to specify when making an appointment for this particular health checkup that you would like to receive a hearing test in addition to any other procedures required by your insurance company’s criteria.
Also, be aware that some in-network clinics will include the test as part of the overall checkup fee, but out-of-network clinics will charge a separate fee.
Gynecological Exam:
There are many different types of yearly health checks for women, but the most important one is your gynecological exam. Women should have their first gynecology examination at age 21 or three years after they become sexually active, whichever comes first.
This includes breast and pelvic exams, STD testing, birth control information, family planning advice, and other screening depending on a woman’s stage in life and personal needs.
Since there are quite a number of steps involved in completing a full exam by a doctor, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss the proper procedures beforehand so that you can get ready for your appointment and not be overwhelmed.
Mammograms:
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. If you are 40 or older, make sure to schedule a mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. The earlier the condition is caught, the higher your chances of full recovery after treatment! Mammograms can be done at most medical clinics and hospitals and do not require an appointment, but you should confirm that ahead of time before arriving.
In conclusion, if you find yourself avoiding the doctor because of these annual health checkups, realize that they are definitely necessary to ensure your safety and well-being. You can choose to go for a yearly physical exam by a general practitioner or get prescriptions from your primary care physician. These vital yet easy steps will help you prepare for your annual health checkups.