Regular Check-Ups are Important

It is important that you schedule a regular check-up with your healthcare provider annually. Regular health exams, tests, and screenings can help find possible health issues before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment are better. By scheduling regular check-up health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help you live a longer, healthier life. Your age, health, family history, lifestyle choices including what you eat, how active you are, or whether you smoke, and other factors impact what and how often you need healthcare.

During your regular health check-up it is important to discuss any additional exams, screenings and vaccines that are recommended for you or your family member. Some additional recommended services may include exams or screenings for the following:

• Breast and Cervical Cancer

• Cholesterol

• Colorectal Cancer

• High Blood Pressure

• Immunizations

• Prostate Cancer

• Skin Cancer

Once you have scheduled your regular health check-up it is important to be prepared for the encounter with your provider. Here are some thing you can do before your appointment to be prepared.

Review your family health history.

Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit?

Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations.

Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history, and lifestyle? Check with your health care provider to see if its time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests.

Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you.

Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?

Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool, or menstrual cycle changes? Have your eating habits changed? Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, distress, or sleeping problems?

Consider your future.

Are there specific health issues that need addressing concerning your future?

Are you thinking about having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a hazardous job, or quitting smoking?

Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics offer healthcare for your whole family, from newborn through geriatrics. Services include: same day appointments, age specific wellness exams, family planning, school & sports physicals, nursing home care, minor in-office procedures, allergy and injection therapy, lab draws, immunizations including Vaccines for Children (VFCs), and DOT physicals.

Schedule your families’ check-ups today: Chester Clinic 618-826-2388 or Steeleville Family Practice 618-965-3382.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/