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6 Reasons Why You Should Schedule Your Annual Physical
You may have heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to our health, this means it’s easier to take steps to stay on top of and prevent illness than it is to have to treat and manage it. So, even if you’re feeling well, an annual physical is an important way to keep tabs on your overall health. It can also help to identify and treat health issues early on.
- It will give you and your primary care provider an overall picture of your health. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level, and weight will be checked, along with other health measures.
- Make sure to share any new information about your health (for example, any injuries, hospital visits), as well as how you are doing generally – for example, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress, have trouble sleeping, are feeling depressed, all of which can affect your health.
- It’s a chance to talk about any bloodwork or health screenings you might need and when. For example, a colonoscopy, mammogram or bone density test, in addition to making sure you are keeping up with eye and dental exams.
- You’ll review and revisit the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor can determine if there are any you don’t need and if others might need to be added – for example, calcium, B12 or vitamin D supplements.
- It helps you stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. In addition to those that protect against COVID-19 and the flu, there are a number of other vaccines that adults need at different ages.
- Get advice about lifestyle habits. For example, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, getting to a healthy weight, how to be more physically active and fit, or eat healthier.
- You’ll be able to ask questions and strengthen your relationship with your primary care doctor and talk about coordinating with any other specialists you see.
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Be Proactive about Burnout
Are you feeling especially tired, low energy, irritable, finding yourself overwhelmed? We all have so many responsibilities and distractions, and few of us take the time to really think about how we can go about managing the toll it takes on us.
What to look for:
- Feelings of hopelessness, a low sense of purpose, disinterest, anger or irritability
- Experience of headaches, heartburn, fatigue, abdominal distress, or increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Difficulties dealing with work or other areas of life
- An increased sense that you are not effective at work or in other life roles
What you can do:
- Advocate for your needs. Identify the person you feel comfortable sharing with, voice your experience, and ask to collaboratively discuss ways to receive support. This may be as simple as placing more boundaries around your time, or it may involve stepping back from an excess of responsibility.
- Strengthen relationships. Whether it be with co-workers, family, friends, or a community of neighbors or a spiritual practice.
- Prioritize self-care and rest. Not just a catchphrase but a necessary foundation for good physical and mental health. Things like diet changes, adequate sleep, exercise, time outdoors, massage, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, downtime, and doing things you love to do make a difference. Make self-care a non-negotiable for every day and see if you notice any improvement.
- Consider talking to your healthcare provider or a counselor. Discuss your symptoms and experience of ongoing stress. Prevention is always helpful, but it’s never too late to turn things around and start to feel better.
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5 Tips to Get Kids Ready for Back to School
With summer days winding down and back-to-school upon us, it’s a good time to start easing back into routines and prepare for the juggle that comes with school schedules and after-school activities.
Although summer brings with it more freedom, kids thrive on routines. And the more you can include them and get their input on the transition back to school, the more successful your efforts will be. So be sure to plan ahead!
Here are some tips to help:
- Ease into earlier, more consistent bedtimes and routines. With summer comes later – and looser – bedtimes for many kids. Start bedtime 15-30 minutes earlier beginning two weeks before school starts to make sure kids are back on track and getting enough quality sleep by the time the first day of school rolls around. Turn off screens – TV, phones, computers and tablets – at least one hour before bedtime.
- Plan ahead for smoother sailing in the mornings. For example, encourage your kids to pick and lay out clothes the night before. Don’t forget to look at the weather forecast.
- Have a game plan for meals during the school week. Busy afternoon schedules mean hungry kids and limited time to get dinner on the table. If you are able to meal prep on the weekends that can help save a lot of time. Involve your kids in lunch planning by taking them shopping or asking about their food favorites and be sure to keep healthy grab and go snacks handy.
- Help establish healthy homework habits. Help kids set aside time and find a quiet place to focus on homework that is away from screens and devices.
- Create a family calendar that everyone can see. One day is likely different from the next. Posting a calendar with daily activities and key dates will help kids know what to expect.
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Dental Checkups
A dental exam helps maintain good oral health. During a checkup, a dentist and dental hygienist will examine your teeth, perform a cleaning and may take X-rays.
Regular dental visits, combined with good
teeth cleaning habits can prevent problems like cavities and gum disease which can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. It is important to protect your oral health because it affects your ability to smile, speak and
chew. Poor oral health can also affect your overall health. Schedule a routine dental cleaning every 6 months for optimal oral health.
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