For many of us, the start of a new year is a time to reflect and set new goals to achieve in the upcoming year. One of those goals could be to be mindful of your health. A great first step toward improving your health is to meet with your primary care provider and schedule your annual health screenings. From annual wellness exams to routine screenings, taking a proactive approach with your health helps identify and address potential issues early, reducing the risk of serious illnesses and improving overall well-being.
If you need to establish yourself with a primary care provider, UHS Primary Care is here to connect you with someone who works best for you. Many UHS providers are welcoming new patients, with available appointments that work for your schedule. Most insurance plans encourage you to select a primary care provider (some even require it), and it’s helpful in case you are acutely ill and need to be evaluated or have ongoing prescriptions that need to be managed.
Why are annual check-ups with your primary care provider important?
Routine visits with your provider go beyond just treating illnesses; they play a pivotal role in preventive care, early detection of diseases and cultivating a lasting doctor-patient relationship.
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider as your point person for medical care means meeting with someone who is familiar with your personal and family medical history and your health goals. They are a resource if you need medical advice and can serve as a consultant if you are hospitalized or need a referral for specialty care.
A primary care provider doesn’t have to be a doctor – in New York State, you can choose an advanced practice provider (physician assistant or nurse practitioner). Be sure to check with your insurance carrier to verify that your preferred provider is covered by your plan.
Whether you already have a primary care provider or are establishing care with someone new, there are several items all adults should have checked annually. Many insurance plans cover an annual physical exam at no charge, so the appointment may not cost anything but your time. Patients who are proactive and come to see a provider once a year tend to be in better health – they are paying attention to what’s going on and working in partnership with their provider, enabling them to stay on top of any concerns or changes. It’s much easier to manage an acute or chronic illness if identified early.
The power of early detection
In addition to your regular check-up, annual health screenings are also important for maintaining optimal health and overall wellness. These can include:
- Blood Pressure Screenings – High or low blood pressure is often a first indicator of other issues, or it can be a condition itself. If necessary, blood pressure can sometimes be managed with diet and lifestyle changes or with medication.
- A1c Test – Those with diabetes or are at risk for diabetes should add an annual A1c test to their list. This test measures average blood glucose over time and is more accurate than a rapid finger-stick test, which may show high fasting blood sugar even if overall blood sugar is normal. Individuals with diabetes should also have a comprehensive foot exam–poor circulation and nerve damage can be part of the disease process.
- Blood Work – As part of your physical, your primary care provider may order some basic blood work, which can identify early signs of kidney disease, diabetes or other issues. Be sure to ask ahead of time if fasting is required.
- Medication Review – When you go to your appointment, bring along all medications you’re currently taking, whether they are taken daily, weekly or at some other interval. Talk with your provider about what you’re taking and why, especially if you have concerns about changes in any condition or are having trouble affording medication. In many cases, financial assistance programs are available–you should never hesitate to let your provider know if you need help paying for necessary prescriptions.
- Vision Check-ups – Adults should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam at least every two years. A different interval may be recommended if you have a condition that affects the eyes, such as diabetes, glaucoma or macular issues. Age-related eye changes become common over age 40, even if you’ve never worn glasses. The eye’s lens thickens and becomes less flexible over time, changing how the eye focuses images. Floaters, dry eyes or, conversely, excessive tear production can also be a consequence of aging. Eyeglass prescriptions can change rapidly in your 40s and beyond, so regular eye exams are important for necessary updates.
Who should get cancer screenings and when?
Cancer screenings are an incredibly valuable tool for early detection that can save lives. They are the biggest defender in the fight against cancer. While preventive screenings are the best line of defense, many people may avoid in-person doctor visits for a variety of reasons. Regular screenings can detect cancer before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Here’s when you should consider screenings for various types of cancer:
Schedule your appointment with UHS today
Take advantage of the new year and schedule your annual health screenings now. Our team of providers at UHS Primary Care are here to help you take the next step in your health journey. Now with online scheduling through UHS MyChart, scheduling your appointment, whether you are a new or existing patient, has never been easier. With just a couple clicks, you will be on your way to taking charge of your health so you can focus on the things that matter.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with UHS Primary Care, click here.