By Dr. Katy Gregory
One of the biggest myths I hear is, “I feel fine, so I don’t need to see a doctor.” Preventive care is about finding problems before symptoms begin.
When most people think of preventive care, they think about an annual wellness visit. While that’s certainly important, preventive care is much more than a yearly checkup.
Preventive care includes screenings, immunizations, mental health assessments, reviewing family history and identifying risk factors that could affect your future health. It’s personalized based on your age, medical history, family history and lifestyle.
The goal isn’t just to help you live longer. It’s to help you stay active, independent and healthy for as long as possible.
PREVENTIVE CARE CHANGES WITH AGE
What your provider focuses on at age 30 is different from what they focus on at 70.
Younger adults may discuss:
- Lifestyle habits
- Nutrition and exercise
- Mental health
- Family health history
- Early risk factors for chronic disease
Older adults may focus on:
- Cancer screenings
- Fall prevention
- Hearing and vision concerns
- Medication reviews
- Cognitive health
- Advance care planning
DON’T KEEP ‘SMALL’ SYMPTOMS TO YOURSELF
You know your body best. If something is new, persistent, changing or simply worrying you, mention it to your provider, even if it seems minor.
Small symptoms sometimes may be the first clue that something more significant is developing. If you experience new symptoms, medication side effects or health concerns, don’t wait until your next annual visit to schedule an appointment.
COME PREPARED
One of the easiest ways to make your appointment more productive is to bring:
- Your medication bottles
- Vitamins and supplements
- Recent lab or imaging results
- Updates to your family medical history
- A short list of questions
Many patients think they’ll remember everything they want to ask, but once the visit begins, it’s easy to forget.
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
- Am I due for any screenings or vaccines?
- What can I do now to prevent health problems later?
- When should I follow up?
- Do I fully understand my medications and test results?
WHAT ABOUT TESTS YOU’VE SEEN ONLINE?
It’s common to hear about a new screening from a friend or social media and wonder if you need it.
Whether a test is appropriate depends on several factors, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Family history
- Personal health history
- Symptoms
- Risk factors
Talk openly with your provider about any screening you’re considering and ask why it is or isn’t recommended.
MY ADVICE TO COAST WOMEN
Don’t ignore yourself.
Women are often busy caring for everyone else, placing their own health at the bottom of the list. Make yourself a priority. Establish a relationship with a primary care provider, stay current on preventive care and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Your health deserves a place on your to-do list, too.
Dr. Katy Gregory is a family medicine specialist with Memorial Physician Clinics – Escatawpa Family Practice. Reach her at (228) 475-1166.
