3. A Detailed Medical History
Even if you feel strong and fit, if you don’t have a primary care physician (PCP), there is no one keeping tabs on your health. By building a detailed medical history, it will be much easier for your PCP to diagnose and treat future conditions, especially as you age. Additionally, health records are electronically accessible to ER personnel, so in the event of a car accident or catastrophic injury, the attending physicians will know about your allergies or preexisting conditions, and they’ll be able to give you the best care possible.
4. Your Health Advocate
Building a relationship with a doctor is a good way to let your voice be heard. Over time, as he gets to know your views, he can tailor treatment programs based on your comfort level. For example, there are natural alternatives to many conditions, such as high cholesterol. So, if you are averse to taking medications, your doctor can provide information on those alternatives.
5. The Eyes Have It
Regular doctor visits shouldn’t be exclusive to your primary care physician. They should extend to your eye doctor, as well. Yes, even if you have perfect vision. Why? Our eyes reveal a lot about our health. Aside from determining whether or not we need glasses, certain eye tests can reveal everything from melanoma of the eye (eye cancer) to diabetic eye disease, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and even brain tumors [3].
Feeling healthy doesn’t always equate to being healthy. The only way to know for sure is to establish a relationship with your primary care physician through regular checkups. Here’s to your good health!