Top 10 Reasons to Get Your Annual Physical
Visiting your PCP (Primary Care Provider) for an annual checkup is a simple-smart and essential step to staying healthy. Seeing your PCP at least once a year can keep you healthy and reduce your chance of serious health conditions by catching early warning signs, starting early treatment and developing a relationship with your doctor as a true health partner. Here are some additional reasons to get your annual physical:
- It’s FREE for you and your family and can save on future medical expenses. Your annual well check is a company benefit and skipping it can lead to preventable costs like sick visit co-pays, sick days, and medication.
- Can help ease concerns about your health. If you’re worried about aches, pains, skin changes, or genetic conditions, your annual visit can provide peace of mind, offering reassurance and an “all clear” to reduce anxiety.
- It screens for health issues and keeps you updated on treatments. During your physical, you and your doctor can review and discuss age-appropriate screenings and referrals to specialists if needed.
- Get answers to your health concerns. Instead of guessing or Googling, ask your medical provider—they’re trained to address all questions, big or small.
- Annual physicals can detect hidden issues through basic blood work and tests. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may show no symptoms, but early detection can help prevent serious health problems like heart attack and stroke.
- An annual physical only takes a couple of hours, but it’s an important form of self-care. With 8,766 hours in a year, taking two for your health can save you time and money down the road.
- Establishing care with a primary care provider gives you access to preventive care, chronic condition management (e.g., asthma, hypertension, diabetes), and treatment for acute issues like coughs, headaches, and fever.
- Completing paperwork and providing your insurance information during your Annual Exam saves time when you’re not feeling well and need to be seen.
- Your PCP can recommend alternatives to medications or treatments, based on the latest research, to reduce side effects or lower costs.
- Established-care providers offer a more comprehensive approach to care. Avoid waiting until you’re sick to see a new provider—your annual physical is for wellness, not illness. Building a relationship with your PCP ensures personalized care and support when you need it most.
Getting Enough Vitamin D During The Winter Months
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and disease resistance, but it can be challenging to get enough, especially in winter. In the U.S., 20% of adults take vitamin D supplements, with D2 (plant-derived) and D3 (animal-derived) being the most common forms.
While your skin can produce vitamin D from sunlight, factors like age, skin tone, and location affect this process. Vitamin D3 supplements are often recommended, as they may be more effective than D2 at raising vitamin D levels. These supplements come in various forms, including capsules, gummies, and liquids, and are best absorbed with fat.
It’s important to consult a doctor before taking supplements, as excessive vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, leading to nausea, weakness, kidney stones, and even failure. Always choose high-quality supplements and talk to a healthcare professional about your vitamin D needs.
SMART Goals
SMART Goal setting is a framework that helps individuals set Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. It provides a structured approach to goal setting, ensuring that objectives are well-defined and actionable. This is especially helpful when thinking about New Year’s resolutions!
- Specific – Plan effectively with specific targets in mind.
- Measurable – Track your progress and reevaluate along the way.
- Attainable – Set realistic goals that are challenging but achievable.
- Relevant – Ensure the goal serves a realistic purpose.
- Time – Specify a deadline, monitor progress and reevaluate.
4 Mental Health Benefits of Dry January
Dry January is a wellness challenge where participants abstain from alcohol for the month to reset after the holiday season. It encourages reflection on one’s relationship with alcohol and promotes more mindful consumption. Beyond physical benefits, it also offers several mental health advantages, including:
- Improved mood and mental clarity – Dry January provides an immediate mood boost and improved mental clarity by eliminating alcohol’s depressant effects on mood and cognition.
- Reduced anxiety and stress – A break from alcohol can reduce anxiety and stress, allowing the mind to reset and promote a greater sense of calm.
- Increased confidence – Completing Dry January can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. Achieving this goal demonstrates self-control and commitment, which can translate into other areas of life.
- Better coping mechanisms – Taking a break from alcohol encourages participants to find healthier ways to cope with stress, like mindfulness or exercise, fostering long-term mental health benefits.
Whether you’re a regular drinker or someone who indulges occasionally, taking a month off from alcohol can provide valuable insights into your relationship with drinking and set the stage for a healthier, happier year ahead.
Building Good Mental Wellness Habits for the New Year
As the new year begins, focusing on mental wellness alongside physical health can improve stress management, relationships, and overall fulfillment. Here are some strategies to support your mental well-being this year:
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Prioritize quality shuteye. Sleep affects mood, cognitive function and overall well-being. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each evening.
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Incorporate self-care. It’s important to make time for self-care and activities that make you happy, so build them into your daily routine.
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Limit screen time. Frequent tech use can cause isolation, poor focus, and addiction. A digital detox reduces stress, improves self-image, and encourages healthier offline habits.
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Strive for progress, not perfection. Focus on the journey and celebrate progress toward your goals. It’s about doing your best and accepting that it’s OK to make mistakes.
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Practice positive self-talk. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. How you talk to yourself can significantly impact your mental health. Be kind to others and especially yourself.
The start of the new year is a perfect time to build good mental wellness habits. These can help you navigate the challenges of everyday life and enhance your overall quality of life. For further guidance or support, contact a mental health professional or a health coach.
