If you’re young, relatively healthy, and active, then you probably don’t think to see your health clinic on a regular basis. After all, if nothing appears to be wrong, why dig into that health care budget? Some of us also are nervous to visit our primary care doctors for fear that we’ll be hit with some unexpected bad news. At ACCESS Health Clinic in Spring, TX, the team of board-certified nurse practitioners say it’s a smart idea to visit your health clinic even when you don’t think you should.

Here are three reasons you shouldn’t wait:

• Early Detection: Routine checks are often just that—routine and uneventful—but sometimes they can reveal early health issues or risk factors that can be nipped in the bud before they become hard to manage. You might visit your health clinic for simple immunizations or cough treatment but your doctor might see that your symptoms are indicative of a larger problem. Treatments can be started early, and your chances for eliminating the problem or being cured are much higher when you begin sooner rather than later.
• Cost Savings In The Long Term: While you may be hesitant to shell out copayments for regular primary care visits that don’t seem important, they are much less expensive than the hospital bills you’d encounter if you were to wait until a more serious and costly problem developed. Don’t wait until complications arise—keep your long-term health care costs low with regular checkups. Even those without health insurance can benefit from walk-in clinics or other facilities that provide health care exams and immunizations.  
• Self-Awareness: Many adults who don’t see their primary care physician regularly have no idea what their cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or thyroid status is. It’s important to be aware of your own numbers, even when you’re healthy. Not only does it give you a sense of what is “normal,” but if your numbers are less than ideal, they can often be great motivators to work toward a healthier lifestyle.

For more on the importance of primary care and to make an appointment with a reliable health clinic, contact ACCESS Health Clinic at (281) 251-8700, or visit their website.