80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February due to a lack of self-discipline. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success when you’re choosing a resolution. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it’s a “SMART” goal — one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely — to increase the odds that you will stick to it. Remember that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be health-related, so find what matters to you to help you live a better life in 2024.
6 Questions to Ask At Your Primary Care Visit
Going in for a primary care appointment can be intimidating. Knowing how to get the most out of your visit is essential so you aren’t left with unanswered questions. Being prepared can also change the overall experience and efficacy of the visit. This article provides six questions to ask during your next check-up
How is My Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure can occur without symptoms, making it common for high blood pressure to go undiagnosed. Ask for your blood pressure numbers during your annual visit. If your numbers are high, this is an excellent time to ask for ways to help improve your numbers, such as lifestyle changes or medications. The correct method to manage your high blood pressure will depend on your unique situation.
Are There Any Preventive Screenings I Should Get?
Screenings for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, various cancers or depression can all be performed at your primary care appointment. Preventive screenings can spot illnesses while they’re early and treatable. This can improve your overall quality of life and longevity. Check your family history to know which tests may be beneficial to request first. For example, if your family has a history of breast cancer, you may want to screen for that earlier than later.
Am I Up to Date With My Immunizations?
Age, medical history and time of year may all affect whether you’re up to date with current immunizations. Vaccinations to ask about may include:
- Flu vaccine
- HPV vaccine
- Hepatitis vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine or booster
Being fully vaccinated is a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases and conditions further down the line.
Is This Normal?
Your visit is a chance for you to find out if any new symptoms are ones you should worry about or are just a regular part of your age and lifestyle. Your doctor can do an exam to measure basic vital signs such as height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate. After that, it’s up to you to give additional information and ask questions about your health and well-being.
Do I Need to See a Specialist?
If your doctor identifies a condition, such as cancer or heart disease, that you should receive further treatment or testing for, you may be referred to a specialist. Be sure to ask your primary care physician if you need to see a specialist.
What Can I Do to Stay Healthy In the Future?
Your annual exam is not only a great time to ask questions but also to set future health goals and make plans for a follow-up. Ask your doctor if there are things you can do to prevent health risks, such as diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Discussing your current lifestyle is a good place to start. See if there are any areas in which you could improve or make positive changes. Be sure to discuss your lifestyle changes with a doctor before initiating anything drastic.
For More Information
Make the most of your primary care appointment by being proactive. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to get the answers you need to stay healthy. Contact us today for more information on questions to ask at your next primary care visit.
Staying Healthy For Life
Although the risk of disease and disability increases with age, poor health does not have to take over your later years. Many chronic diseases can be avoided through preventive measures. The secret to aging well is to establish a healthy lifestyle early and stick to it as you grow older.
Eat Right and Exercise Frequently
Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining good health. Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fiber, and reduce fat and sugar intake. Improving your diet could extend your life span and reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Being active is also important for health and longevity. Regular physical activity reduces your risk of dying from heart disease, and decreases your risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular exercise also
offers the following health benefits:
- Controlling weight
- Contributing to healthy bones, muscles and joints
- Relieving the pain of arthritis
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Decreasing the need for hospitalizations, physician visits and medications
Exercise does not need to be strenuous to be beneficial. People of all ages will benefit from moderate physical activity like taking a walk or swimming. People tend to be less active as they age. Fortunately, people who are normally sedentary and have lost muscle mass can gain it back by increasing strength with moderate physical activity.
Stop Smoking
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking, and more than 480,000 people die from smoking each year. Tobacco use increases your risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Abstaining from tobacco is one of best ways to protect your health.
Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Your mind plays an important role in your ability to age well and maintain a high quality of life. Being engaged with others and maintaining positive social connections can help you retain cognitive function as you age. The following are ways you can help maintain a healthy attitude as you get older:
- Maintain positive self-esteem.
- Take control of your life.
- Develop and maintain quality relationships with friends, family, significant others and colleagues.
View life as meaningful and be thankful. Following a healthy lifestyle can help lead to a longer life. By eating well, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco you can reduce your chances of developing chronic diseases and improve your well-being for years to come.
Creating Healthy Routines
Routines can be a great way to incorporate healthy habits into an already busy life. Establishing a healthy routine can lower your stress levels, improve your physical and mental health and help you use your time more effectively. A healthy routine may include healthy eating, quality sleep and regular exercise. However, creating a routine for the first time can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you create a routine that works for you:
- Add to or modify your existing habits. If you usually take a mid-afternoon snack break, consider choosing a fruit or vegetable instead of foods with low nutritional value to refuel your body. If you have a pet, taking them for longer or more frequent walks could add more exercise to an already established routine.
- Make changes slowly. Trying to overhaul your daily routine all at once can make it more challenging to adjust and succeed. Instead, try adding healthy choices or tasks one at a time. It may help you feel less overwhelmed with the changes you are implementing.
- Plan ahead. If you’re planning to exercise in the morning, consider setting your gym clothes out the night before. You could even prepare your healthy meals in advance, so all you have to do is reheat them when you are hungry.
- Make time for things you enjoy. Routines don’t need to feel like chores. Be sure to include some time in your day for activities or hobbies you genuinely like to keep you motivated
