A popular New Year’s resolution is ‘to live a healthier lifestyle’. To many women that means hitting the gym, cutting out junk food and finding some me-time. All great things to do, for sure, but what many of us don’t include in the healthier lifestyle zone is visiting a doctor. The reasoning behind why we don’t makes sense – “Do I really need to schedule in doctor’s visits when I’m eating well, exercising and the most I suffer from is a cold a couple of times a year?” The answer in brief is a resounding “Yes!”
And here’s why…
Remember that old adage “prevention is better than cure”? It doesn’t only apply to fire hazards – but to actual illnesses as well. Getting yourself a primary care physician is a part of the prevention.
Here are a few reasons why you must include a doctor as a part of your get healthier resolution.
1. They know your history
A physician you visit regularly will know what is normal for you and what isn’t. Your primary physician will know if that terrible cold you are suffering from is a result of an allergic reaction or is just a cold without having to order a battery of tests. Simply put, your primary care physician knows your medical history and will be able to tell you when something is out of the ordinary.
2. You build a relationship
It’s important to have a medical professional you can trust. As you visit your physician regularly, you build a relationship with them. You are more likely to be frank about your concerns with someone you trust than someone you’ve met for the first time. Think about it, telling your regular doctor you’ve been feeling tired a lot recently or haven’t been sleeping well is so much easier especially because you know they’ll understand that it’s not normal for you. On the other hand, they may be able to point out why you have been feeling not-quite-your-usual-self and reassure you that there is no reason to panic.
3. Keeps healthcare costs down
Regular visits to your primary care physician can help detect any healthcare issues early. Your physician will be able to detect any abnormalities that may lead to bigger healthcare problems and treat them right from the onset. For example, regular blood tests can detect the onset of diabetes and your primary care doctor can get you started on preventive methods right away.
4. You’ll know when to see a specialist
Chances are that googling your symptoms will lead to you running to book an appointment with a specialist, even though you may not need to. However in the case that you do, your primary care physician will be able to refer you to the right specialist. Chances are that they specialist they refer you to are professionals they have a good working relationship with so they will be able to work together to alleviate your problem.
5. You change as you age
As a woman, your hormones go through major changes all through your life – from when you get close to puberty all the way to menopause. Your physician will be able to guide you through those changes, help you understand them and treat any symptoms that may arise.
Many illnesses affect women differently than men. Although symptoms may be similar, the effects of the condition can differ significantly and so can the care and treatment necessary. Hormonal imbalances can affect many health issues in women including heart disease, obesity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, anxiety, breast cancer and uterine health. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the methods that can alleviate these imbalances.
At Go Beyond Medicine, we offer a number of different primary care services aimed towards detecting and treating woman specific issues including;
· Birth control
· Breast cancer screening
· Genetic cancer screening
· Menopause, hormone imbalance management
· Osteoporosis management
· PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
· Vaginal infections treatment
· Well-woman annual exam
We focus on preventive care and, when possible, reversing disease processes by addressing underlying factors, incorporating natural and alternative treatment plans, and traditional medication when necessary.
This New Year, give yourself the gift of a healthy lifestyle and schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who cares about your wellbeing and you can truly trust.
Comments
Post a Comment