Most of us can relate: There’s that minor pain or throbbing sensation somewhere in your body that has made you, at least once, think, “I better check this out.” Or maybe you already know the diagnosis, but have postponed follow-up care for diabetes, high blood pressure, a mental health issue, or an addiction.
Yes, the pandemic has disrupted primary care and caused people to postpone health care unrelated to the virus, but many people have long shunned preventative health care. Some reasons for avoiding a visit could include, but not limited to:
- Fear of medical bills.
- Limited time or feeling too busy with work or family life.
- Negative past experiences with a medical provider, including racial bias and weight shaming.
- Lack of access to health care.
- Fear of medical diagnoses and health care anxiety.
- Avoiding care after participating in activities that carry a greater health risk, such as heavy alcohol consumption.
The heavy hand of procrastination doesn’t discriminate when it comes to our health, but your health and well-being are the last things you want to minimize or put off. And while the growing number of wearablessmartwatches and new health gadgets can offer great insight into what might be going on in our bodies, a signal that something is not quite right only makes sense if you act on it and find the right ones care.
Here’s why you should get a medical this year, which screenings might be best for you, and how to save money if you don’t have a regular doctor.
Home visits are a thing of the past, but virtual doctor visits can make it easier to schedule that first appointment.
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Coping with Medical Anxiety
Some people have health-related anxiety, and a sense of urgency about their health may prompt them to take more trips to the doctor than they even need to. But on the other side, there are people who delay getting tested or going to a doctor because they are afraid of the results or they are afraid of being judged by their doctor.
Up to one in three Americans avoid medical care, even when they suspect they might need it, according to the Cleveland clinic. This is for a variety of reasons: fear of catching a virus at the doctor’s office, fear of getting bad news about your health after using substances like drugs or alcohol, fear of being diagnosed with cancer, and more. again.
The first step to overcoming worries like these is to reduce the root of fear. Are you worried about the results of the blood test? Imagine feeling relieved once you get your results, knowing that the same blood is flowing through you whether or not you show up for the test. Other people may have an easier time going to a medical appointment when someone else goes with them, when they book a telemedicine appointment instead, or when they tell their doctor exactly what they are afraid of. .
Do you need a primary care physician?
Having a primary care doctor is a great benefit when it comes to general well-being and preventive care. It helps to have a provider you feel comfortable sharing your health details with and who can recommend specific activities or diets and order tests when needed, all based on your individual health status. If you have insurance, it’s worth shopping around for a primary care physician. Start by calling your health insurance company or using their online “find a doctor who accepts my insurance” resource.
If you do not have a regular doctor or are unable to establish a new relationship with a doctor, some of the screenings we discuss below may be offered at local health clinics or centers without appointment. These establishments may accept upfront payments in lieu of insurance and may be cheaper options for the uninsured. Telemedecine or virtual appointments may also be an option, but check ahead to make sure the service will accommodate what you want.
Here is more information about how to save money when you don’t have health insuranceand here tips to reduce your medical bill when you are insured.
Screening for the most common causes of premature death: high blood pressure and diabetes
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the doctor and don’t know where to start, getting your blood pressure and blood sugar checked is a good start. Heart disease and diabetes are among the main Chronic diseases in the United States, and both can lead to complications that lead to premature death.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often has no symptoms and people can go years without realizing that their blood pressure is dangerously high.
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Cancer screening
Cancer was the second leading cause of death in the United States in 2020, behind heart disease, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for cancer helps find it early, when treatments are most effective. Some cancer screenings, such as the Pap test for cervical cancer and colorectal cancer screening, detect precancers, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.
The type of cancer you should be screened for depends on your age, family history and individual risk factors, but the Top 5 most common cancers in 2020 were breast, lung-bronchi, prostate, colon-rectal and skin (melanoma).
- Most people should start screening colorectal cancer at 45 years old.
- Mammograms for breast cancer are generally recommended from the age of 50, but some people would benefit from getting tested earlier – for example, if there is a history of breast cancer in their family.
- You should get a skin cancer screening if you notice a new mole or spot that seems different in color, asymmetrical in shape, or otherwise off.
- A lung cancer screening requires a low-dose CT scan and is recommended for adults with a long history of smoking.
- Screening for prostate cancer includes a blood test called PSA testand most men will get a prostate test in your 50s and 60s, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Finding mental health care as an adult
Feeling sad or hopeless, being unable to cope with everyday stress, feeling like a burden on others, or experiencing excessive worry are all symptoms of a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. The more researchers learn about the brain, the better they understand how mental health is an extension of our physical health and impacts our physical health; home and work life; sense of well-being and more.
If you’re an adult who’s never tried it before, finding a therapist or someone to talk to can seem daunting, but you probably have more options than ever before, thanks to virtual services and a growing awareness of Mental Health. here is a list of online therapy servicesand here are some tips for finding mental health care when you’re worried about not being able to afford it.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
