Quick, routine health checkups can catch medical issues early, often before symptoms develop. They’re some of the easiest ways to protect yourself from future problems. However, nearly half of the population doesn’t complete annual physicals.
Despite a busy schedule, below are three simple health screenings you shouldn’t bypass this year. See our primary care experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, to schedule critical, sometimes life-saving, health screenings.
Health screenings are simple ways to detect problems and assess your risk of chronic diseases and other medical concerns. They’re important because many of the illnesses and diseases your provider screens for are easier to treat in early stages. Health screenings can save you time and money on medical costs and offer peace of mind.
Here are three important health screenings you shouldn’t skip out on this year:
Tracking your blood pressure regularly, especially during annual physicals, is an excellent way to evaluate your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, blood vessel problems, and strokes.
Have your blood pressure checked each year or more often if your primary care specialist recommends it based on your health history and risk factors.
You can also check your blood pressure at home with your own monitor. However, have it evaluated by a healthcare provider at least once yearly.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and there are many types. Ask about a yearly skin check to screen for signs of skin cancer.
If you’re a woman, you might be due for a breast exam, mammogram, or cervical cancer screening (Pap smear).
Men may need a prostate cancer screening, and men and women should ask about colon cancer screenings if they are 45 or older. If you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, you may benefit from getting screened before age 45.
Yearly blood work can screen for numerous conditions that may be damaging your body, draining your energy, causing other bothersome symptoms, or putting you at risk of a chronic disease. The specific type of blood work that’s best suited for you depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, medical history, and risk factors.
Examples of conditions blood tests help screen for include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, anemia, and other nutrient deficiencies. They can detect thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, kidney problems, liver concerns, and more.
Keeping your labs within an ideal range can optimize your overall well-being.
Schedule a yearly physical exam to complete many of your health screenings. We determine the most appropriate options based on your medical history and advise you on how often to schedule each screening type to maximize your health.
Contact Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie anytime you develop unusual or new symptoms or have questions about your health.
Schedule your next set of health screenings today at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie by calling or booking online.
