Here's Why You Should Get Yearly Checkups

Getting regular checkups is extremely important. These checkups can help you catch diseases at their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat.

Many people think of going to the doctor as a good reason to get a day off work or school. In fact, getting yearly checkups is one of the best ways that you can be certain that your body is healthy and able to fight off disease before it starts. 

In particular, women should have yearly checkups from their gynecologists.

This type of health examination usually includes a basic physical and Pap smear. Additionally, many doctors also prescribe blood tests for sexually active women in order to protect themselves against cervical cancer and other problems associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

There are some who feel that annual examinations aren't necessary because they are healthy and don't have any symptoms. However, diseases can often progress without any symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.

By that time, the disease may be more difficult to treat.

Note: This article is purely for informational purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

So, if you're looking for an easy way to stay healthy, getting regular checkups is a great option.

Talk to your doctor about what type of checkups are right for you and make sure to schedule them into your calendar! You'll be glad that you did.

Establish your personal health baseline

This means that you go for a checkup to find out what your personal health parameters are. If there are any problems, this is the time that they will be caught.

Catch issues early

Issues can often be picked up much earlier when you have regular checkups than if you only seek medical advice once an issue arises.

This not only saves money on bills, but also gives you more treatment options and potentially better treatments at an earlier stage.

Know your family's medical history

Regular checkups allow you to establish whether or not diseases run in your family.

By knowing about these things ahead of time, you can take precautions before getting certain diseases yourself. Additionally, it is good to know whether or not any genetic mutations exist within your family.

Build a solid relationship with your doctor

Keeping the communication lines open with your doctor is a very good idea. This way, you can ensure that if any issues or problems arise, you will be able to get help right away. Having yearly checkups is one way to do this.

Some of the tests that are typically done during a yearly checkup include:

-A physical examination

-A Pap smear (for women)

-Blood tests for sexually active women

-Testing for cholesterol levels

-Testing for blood sugar levels

-Screening for cancer (including mammograms and colonoscopies)

-Testing for STDs (such as HIV)

Your annual physical will include a lot of different tests, like blood work and an EKG

However, a physical isn't the same as a yearly checkup. It only includes a few tests and lasts for about half an hour to an hour.

In addition, if you have any problems that seem unusual or potentially dangerous, your doctor may recommend additional testing.

If there is anything that seems out of the ordinary, don't be afraid to ask your doctor to give you further examinations. In this way, you can ensure that your body remains healthy and free from disease.

A yearly exam also includes your height and weight measurements

This is to keep track of any changes in your health, such as weight gain, and make sure that adjustments can be made.

Many people like to get their yearly checkups in the winter when they don't have anything else going on. However, you can get your checkup whenever it is convenient for you; there's no required time of year to do it.

Have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist

You may not notice it, but plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time and lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and even tooth decay.

A professional dental cleaning can remove this build-up, help keep your teeth healthy, and prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.

Dentists also recommend that you have a check-up every six months in order to detect any potential problems early on. This is especially important for people who have a history of dental problems or who are at risk for cavities.

Routine medical checkups are an important part of maintaining your health. By getting yearly checkups, you can be sure that any potential health problems are caught early on, when they are easiest to treat.

Additionally, you can take advantage of preventive care measures, such as screenings for cancer and STDs, which can help protect your health in the long run.

Getting a yearly checkup is one of the best things that you can do to keep your body healthy. Make an appointment with your doctor today!

Have an eye examination with an ophthalmologist

This basically means that you should have an eye doctor check your eyes for any potential problems.

Some common problems that can be detected with a routine eye exam include glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

All of these conditions can lead to vision loss if they are not treated.

In addition, an ophthalmologist can also prescribe glasses or contact lenses if necessary.

Most people only need to see an optometrist once every two years; however, this may vary depending on your individual situation.

Make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations

For some, this might be a touchy subject, but it is important nonetheless.

There are many different types of vaccinations, and it is important to make sure that you are up-to-date on all of your shots.

This includes both the seasonal flu shot and the HPV vaccine.

Not only are these vaccines important for your health, but they can also help protect others as well.

You should also get a tetanus booster every 10 years. This protects you from a potentially deadly infection caused by bacteria found in soil and animal feces.

If you're not sure which vaccines you need or when you need them, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you develop a vaccination schedule that is right for you.

Check Regularly For Lumps and Bumps

Ensure that you don't have any signs of cancer, such as lumps or bumps in the breast, testicles, or underarm area.

Self-exams are an important way to detect cancer early on when it is most treatable.

If you do find any abnormalities, see your doctor as soon as possible!

Wrapping Up

Stay healthy!

The best way to stay healthy is to prevent diseases from happening in the first place. This is done through regular checkups as well as living a healthy lifestyle.

Checkups allow you to do just that - check your health and make sure that you are on the right track. If not, then your doctor can help provide you with the necessary tools to get back on track.

I won't bash you over the head with all of the different ways to stay healthy, but just know that your best bet is to eat well and exercise regularly.