Many individuals visit their family doctors when they have a persistent symptom, injury, or feel under the weather. Yet, you don’t have to wait until there’s a problem with your health to see your primary care physician. In fact, visiting your doctor every year is one of the best investments you can make in your health; here’s why.

Your Guide to Annual Family Doctor’s Visits

Promote Early Detection

Checkups are powerful ways to help doctors spot signs of serious disease as early as possible. The risk for certain types of cancer, heart disease, and other serious ailments can increase with age, but a thorough physical allows physicians to monitor your vitals and look for any warning signs. Many conditions are treated more effectively when caught during their earliest stages. Your doctor may also refer you to specialists for screenings such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, and other important tests based on your family- and age-related risks.

Discuss Your Changing Health Needs

People experience different health needs during each unique phase of life. Whether you’re trying to start a family, in your middle ages, or entering your golden years, you may have changing dietary and lifestyle needs — which your doctor can consult you on. The yearly exam is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any new or developing symptoms. Feeling less energized, for example, could simply be a result of a vitamin deficiency, which your doctor can help pinpoint at a routine checkup.

Manage Your Wellness Proactively

If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your family doctor may be your best resource for helping you keep your levels controlled. Even if you’re healthy overall, your doctor can still make recommendations to ensure you’re making healthy choices that will help you feel your best. For instance, they can provide advice to help you maintain a healthy weight, cut out unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, and be sure to stay active.

When patients in Davidson County, NC, need a friendly family doctor to help them manage their health care needs, they turn to Lexington Family Physicians. These professionals treat a wide variety of conditions and aid in preventive care to help you feel your best at every age. See their office hours and learn about the practice by visiting their website, or call (336) 249-3329 to schedule an appointment.