B Dear Aunt B, I know when our kids were small, we always had regular health physicals to make sure all was well with their health. Do we still need a regular physical when we are adults? I don’t especially like to go to the doctor, but I don’t want to be stupid. I think I am basically healthy. Are annual physicals overkill?
Do I need a physical?
Dear Do I need a physical?, Yes, I feel regular health checkups are very important. Talk to your healthcare provider to see what they suggest. So many health risks are facing us today, so I want to know where I stand with my health. There are so many healthy habits that can be put in place and so much that is available for health concerns today that never existed before. It is absolutely best to know what is going on with your body and mind. Getting baselines for your health parameters is also important.
As I write this I am reminded (in my own mind), that I am not a physician. Do not take any recommendations I make as medical advice. As I stated earlier, always check everything with your personal health care provider.
It is especially important to know some information about your family history. Ask these questions of your loved ones while they are still around to answer them. What health concerns have they faced? Are they aware of health concerns that their ancestors faced?
Most experts agree annual health visits are important for screening for health risks, monitoring chronic health issues, lifestyle management, and overall health maintenance. Some suggest less frequent checkups before the age of 40. The amount of issues facing us today and the stress levels we are under, of course, as with every dang thing you must take your own circumstances into consideration.
I imagine we women are a bit more regular with our annual screenings, although maybe not. There doesn’t seem to be as much fuss about men getting the annual physicals. Boy, this is such a mistake. If you are a woman, not only take care of yours but schedule your man’s as well. Not to be sexist, if you are a man not only schedule your annual physical but schedule your woman’s annual as well. If you are single, then take care of you and call your friends and remind them to schedule as well.
Don’t ignore any warning signs of problems with your health. I know there are people that don’t want to know if something is wrong. This scares some so much that they will never visit a healthcare provider even if they are having regular symptoms. This is really a mistake. There are more discoveries and information available than ever before. So much can be done to address your issues. If you are having any symptoms, please go check those symptoms out. Find out what is happening in your body. Also listen to your body. If you believe something is wrong, find someone that will listen to you and check everything out, not just tell you it is all in your head. We know our own bodies; listen to yours.
Love, Aunt B
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