Did you know that over 95% of children had an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/physician-visits.htm" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">appointment with a doctor</a>during this past year? Physicians are critical to your child's care as they help treat illnesses, provide immunizations, and offer annual physicals.&nbsp; There is much debate between a pediatrician vs family doctor and which one is better for your child. While both physicians must complete medical school, their residency training differs slightly.&nbsp;For more information on the differences between the two, keep reading on.&nbsp;<h2> </h2><h2>Pediatrician Doctor</h2> A pediatrician is a medical doctor that completed three years of residency in pediatrics. Typically, they see children from birth up until at least age 18.&nbsp;Pediatricians focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/baby/pediatricians-role-twins#1" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">regular or annual check-ups</a>for your child including:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Physical exams</li><li data-list="bullet">Immunizations</li><li data-list="bullet">Developmental milestones</li><li data-list="bullet">Educate on your child's health</li><li data-list="bullet">Refer to specialists</li></ol> Many families start looking at pediatricians during&nbsp;their third trimester. Your pediatrician will want to see your child two to three days after they discharge home and then fairly regularly afterward.&nbsp;If you are asking yourself what age to switch from pediatrician to family doctor, then most people make the switch around this time. A pediatrician - or children's doctor - can sometimes allow you to bring your child in up until the age of 21.&nbsp; There are two main reasons that someone will see a pediatrician between the ages of 18 to 21 years old: college and chronic conditions.&nbsp;Sometimes, transitioning to college makes it difficult for finding a new doctor. Many times, these college-aged students are&nbsp;fluctuating between home and college life. In this instance, it makes it easier with sticking to a trusted pediatrician until they graduate or move somewhere permanent. Developmental disorders and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parents.com/kids/health/at-what-age-should-your-kid-stop-seeing-a-pediatrician/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">chronic conditions</a>also might qualify for seeing a pediatrician into adulthood. These include diagnoses like:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Intellectual disabilities</li><li data-list="bullet">Congenital heart defects</li><li data-list="bullet">Sickle cell disease</li><li data-list="bullet">Cystic fibrosis</li><li data-list="bullet">Autism</li></ol>Pediatricians who treat autism might see their patients for longer than the cut-off age of 21 years old.&nbsp; <h2>Family Doctor</h2> Family doctors see it all - they treat children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Some have further specialists for women's health and delivering babies.&nbsp;Essentially, they are generalists. They work at treating a variety of chronic&nbsp;diagnoses and offer preventive care services. Some of the other things a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-family-practice-doctor" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">family doctor</a>can provide are:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Routine check-ups</li><li data-list="bullet">Immunizations</li><li data-list="bullet">Screening</li><li data-list="bullet">Educating on lifestyle and health habits</li><li data-list="bullet">Implementing treatments</li></ol> Similar to pediatricians, family doctors complete medical school and then enroll in a three or four residency program. This residency program focuses on various rotations in things like general surgery and critical care.&nbsp; Typically, if you have a condition that requires a specialist, then these doctors will refer you out to another physician.&nbsp; <h2>Pediatrician vs Family Doctor</h2>When looking at a pediatrician or family doctor, it might be hard to know which one is best for your child. It is critical to note that both doctors can treat the needs of your child.&nbsp;However, the residency of a pediatrician solely focuses on children. This means they will have a more in-depth knowledge of diagnoses specific to a developing child.&nbsp;They can also help new mothers with breastfeeding techniques and pumping strategies. If your child has behavioral, developmental, or physical disabilities, a pediatrician would likely best fit their needs.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://choicemd.com/provider-search?id_provider_type=3&amp;id_specialty_type=32" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Miami pediatrician</a>&nbsp;can work with you and your child on developing healthy lifestyle habits. They can also address concerns relating to chronic illnesses or diseases specific to children more than a family doctor.However, if you are wanting a doctor that can work with adults and children, then opt for a family doctor. These doctors still have training in pediatrics and can always refer you to a specialist if there are other concerns.&nbsp;You might find it less of a hassle in switching between doctors, and it gives your child the opportunity of seeing their doctor after they turn 18 years old.<h2> </h2><h2>Children's Specialists</h2>There are many other types of children's doctors out there that can treat&nbsp;pediatric&nbsp;illnesses, diseases, and conditions. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://pathways.org/quick-links/pediatric-specialists/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">examples of specialists</a>that your pediatrician or family doctor might refer to are:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Neonatologist</li><li data-list="bullet">Pediatric cardiologist</li><li data-list="bullet">Pediatric endocrinologist</li><li data-list="bullet">Pediatric orthopedic surgeon</li><li data-list="bullet">Physical therapists</li><li data-list="bullet">Speech therapists</li><li data-list="bullet">Nutritionist</li></ol>These specialists can offer more insight or provide unique therapy for developing children. For example, a speech therapist&nbsp;focusing&nbsp;on pediatric care can work on your child's language and development skills.&nbsp;A speech therapist working with adults might focus more on swallowing disorders or language barriers from strokes or tumors. Ultimately, you don't have to sacrifice these&nbsp;doctors when you see a pediatrician or family doctor.&nbsp;Keep in mind - a pediatrician might have more access and referrals to highly specialized physicians focused on pediatrics. Usually, a pediatrician is in the same building or hospital as other similar physicians.&nbsp;Your family doctor might refer you to a pediatrician first before focusing on other specialists which could delay diagnosis and treatment.&nbsp;Additionally, make sure that your physician accepts your insurance and any referred specialists.&nbsp;This can save you hefty expenses down the road and avoid out-of-pocket costs.&nbsp; <h2>Find Your Children's Doctor Today</h2>Pediatricians are the go-to doctors when it comes to treating children. However, when you are looking more in-depth at a pediatrician vs family doctor, you really cannot go wrong with either option.&nbsp;Both physicians are highly specialized in caring for a broad range of illnesses. Family doctors can also see your child after they turn 18 years old, which might seem more appealing to parents.&nbsp;For help in finding the perfect doctor for your child,&nbsp;<a href="https://choicemd.com/provider-search" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">visit our site today</a>&nbsp;and browse qualified Miami doctors.

Pediatrician vs Family Doctor: Which Is Best for Your Child? 

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No one looks forward to getting their first mammogram, but at some point, you reach an age where you&nbsp;knowyou can't put it off any longer.&nbsp;But once you start, how often should you get a mammogram?The answer might not be as often as you think. Mammograms are quick, so they don't suck a lot of time out of your already busy schedule.We've put together this guide to help you learn more about when to start getting mammograms, how often to get them, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Make sure you keep reading below for some important health tips. <img src="https://images.sitesails.com/1/original/16b0b5bc-218c-4e7e-8870-50ef69f8e2fc-how_often_should_you_get_a_mammogram.jpeg" height="661.1484210526316" width="992" style=""> <h2>Women's Health 101: When Should You Start Getting Mammograms?&nbsp;</h2>There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. There are a number of factors that can make the right starting point look a little different for every woman. For example, some of them include:&nbsp;<ol><li data-list="bullet">Your risk factors</li><li data-list="bullet">Your age&nbsp;</li><li data-list="bullet">Your personal preference&nbsp;</li></ol>It's a good idea to talk to&nbsp;<a href="https://choicemd.com/provider-search" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); background-color: transparent;">your doctor</a>&nbsp;about your risk of developing breast cancer and when mammograms will benefit you. However, most medical professionals recommend scheduling an appointment for your first mammogram when you're between the ages of 40 and 44. Once you turn 45, it is important to make sure you get regular mammograms. <h2>How Often Should You Get a Mammogram?</h2>Most women won't have to get more than one mammogram a year, but that isn't always the case. Again, the best way to figure out when and how frequently to get a mammogram is to discuss the issue with your doctor. They will help you put together a schedule that's best for your health.&nbsp;Here's a rough guide about how often you should expect to get a mammogram:&nbsp;<ol><li data-list="bullet">Ages40 to 45: once a year&nbsp;</li><li data-list="bullet">Ages 45 to 54: once a year&nbsp;</li><li data-list="bullet">Ages 55 and older: twice a year&nbsp;</li></ol>After the age of 55, you should continue getting mammograms twice a year as long as you're in good health. Senior women who aren't expected to live more than a few years may not need to keep getting this type of breast cancer screening.&nbsp;Keep in mind, though, that this is just a rough guide. You may need to get mammograms more often (or less often) depending on your personal health. This is especially true if you are at a higher than&nbsp;<a href="https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); background-color: transparent;">average risk</a>of developing breast cancer.&nbsp; <h2>What to Expect During Your First Mammogram&nbsp;</h2>We all like to keep our kitchens clean and tidy, but there are places food can hang out that you might not if you're getting ready for your first mammogram appointment, there's no reason to worry about it. The procedure is a fairly quick and simple one. In most cases, you'll be in and out of the doctor's office&nbsp;in about 15 minutes.&nbsp; <h3>Before the Appointment&nbsp;</h3>Make sure you don't wear any type of lotions, oils, deodorants, etc. the day of the appointment. These products can interfere with the machine and mess up the results. You may have to return for a second mammogram later if this happens.&nbsp;It's also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing. You want to be able to remove it easily, and cozy clothes will help you stay relaxed as you wait for the mammogram to start. <h3>During the Appointment</h3>When you arrive at the doctor's office, you will receive a gown and be asked to undress from the waist up. The gown will keep you covered up until the procedure so you feel more comfortable.&nbsp;A technician will then take you to a machine and position your breasts (one at a time) between two plastic plates. The machine will apply pressure to your breasts to flatten them, which spreads out the tissue and provides better x-ray images. While they are pressed flat, the technician will take several pictures of your breasts from different angles.&nbsp;This should only take a few seconds to complete.&nbsp;After this, you'll be able to head home. In most cases, the radiologist won't examine the images while you're still there. Instead, they'll do this later and get in touch with you to let you know the results.&nbsp; <h3>After the Appointment&nbsp;</h3>You'll receive the results of your mammogram within a few days or weeks after the appointment. That's likely to be the end of your mammogram experience until the next year. However, if you have an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/if-youre-called-back-after-a-mammogram.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); background-color: transparent;">abnormal mammogram</a>, you might have to go back to the doctor's office for more tests.&nbsp;Don't panic, though.&nbsp;An abnormal mammogram doesn't mean you have cancer. In fact, most people who have abnormal mammograms never develop cancer. <h2>Does a Mammogram Hurt?</h2>A mammogram certainly isn't comfortable. However, you shouldn't be in much pain during the procedure. The pressure applied to your breasts may hurt for a few seconds, but it should be bearable.&nbsp;It's also normal to experience soreness after the procedure. Your breasts may feel sensitive for a few days after the mammogram, but this discomfort should fade in a few days. If it doesn't go away, make sure you give your doctor a call. <h2>Healthcare in Miami: Scheduling Your Next Mammogram</h2>So how often should you get a mammogram?It depends on the specifics of your personal health, but in general, you should plan to get a mammogram every year after the age of 40. Are you looking for doctors in Miami that can administer your next mammogram?&nbsp;Don't hesitate to&nbsp;<a href="https://choicemd.com/about" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); background-color: transparent;">get in touch</a>&nbsp;with our team at Choice MD today. We'll help you schedule your appointment, walk you through the procedure, and be with you through every step of your health journey.

How Often Should You Get a Mammogram?

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About <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm" target="_blank">25.9% of adults</a> between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated caries. Meanwhile, only 64.9% of adults have visited a dentist in the past year. Without routine dental cleanings, you could put your oral health at risk. Bacteria could spread, causing cavities to form. Not many people realize their oral health can impact their overall health, too. Here are seven reasons you should visit the dentist regularly. After reading this guide, you can recognize the importance of routine dental cleanings. You could benefit your overall health and longevity as a result. Meanwhile, you can keep your teeth squeaky clean and dazzling year-round. <img src="https://images.sitesails.com/1/original/53cb1625-a8de-4d7c-a4a4-93f16fd90497-routine_dental_cleanings.jpeg">Read on to discover the importance of healthy teeth and gums today!<h2> </h2><h2>Prevent Cavities</h2> Brushing and flossing twice a day helps remove food particles and harmful bacteria from your mouth. Otherwise, bacteria can feed on lingering food particles. You could develop a cavity as a result.Routine dental cleaning could keep cavities from forming. Otherwise, the food and bacteria in your mouth can cause plaque to form. Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to your teeth. Plaque can produce acid, which is able to erode the protective enamel on your teeth. If plaque continues to build, a cavity might form. Cavities can create holes in your teeth. When left untreated, cavities can destroy the entire tooth. In fact, cavities can lead to serious complications, including a tooth abscess or infection. If the infection gets into your bloodstream, it could become life-threatening. Pay attention for signs that you've developed a cavity, including:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages</li><li data-list="bullet">A lingering sensitivity to sweets</li><li data-list="bullet">An ongoing toothache</li><li data-list="bullet">Brown, black, or white staining on your teeth</li><li data-list="bullet">A pit or hole in your tooth</li></ol> One of the best ways to avoid developing cavities is to visit your dentist every six months. Regular cleanings can keep plaque from hardening into tartar. Otherwise, you'll need to visit the dentist to get tartar removed. Visiting the dentist regularly can ensure you spot a cavity before it fully forms. You can receive treatment before the problem gets worse. Regular cleanings are more cost-effective than filling a cavity or getting a root canal, too. Your dentist can even provide helpful tips to ensure you prevent cavities from forming in the future. <h2>Avoid Losing Teeth</h2> Discovering the importance of routine dental cleanings will help you prioritize your oral health. For example, you can learn better brushing and flossing techniques. Brushing and flossing properly will keep plaque from forming. Otherwise, plaque and tartar could lead to gum disease. If gum disease progresses, the plaque will move into your tooth. It could destroy the support bone tissues in your jaw. This process might cause your teeth to become loose. They could even fall out. Before that can happen, schedule your next dentist visit. Regular cleanings will minimize your risk of gum disease. Your hygienist can clear plaque and tartar away before it impacts your gum health. <h2>Keep Your Breath Fresh</h2> Routine dental cleanings can help you control the bacteria in your mouth. Some bacteria can contribute to bad breath. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day could help keep your breath fresh. If you've developed gum disease, however, brushing might not prove enough. You might need to visit your dentist to ensure your mouth is an odor-free environment. <h2>Save Money</h2> If you neglect your oral health, you could form serious health issues. For example, gum disease can progress into periodontal disease when left untreated. You might request extensive, expensive treatment as a result. Instead of waiting for your oral health to deteriorate, consider scheduling routine visits. Remember, a routine check-up will allow your dentist to spot potential issues before they progress. You'll only have to pay for the dental cleaning or oral exam. You could save money in the long run as a result. Otherwise, you might need to pay for multiple, more expensive procedures later on. Consider scheduling a consultation appointment with your dentist. You can discuss your oral health goals and develop a customized treatment plan. Taking preventative measures now could benefit your oral health (and wallet) in the long run. <h2>Brighten Your Smile</h2> Foods, beverages, smoking, and medication can cause your teeth to look discolored over time. You might need to schedule a teeth whitening appointment to improve your smile. Before your teeth begin to discolor, learn how to <a href="https://choicemd.com/about" target="_blank">choose a dentist</a> who offers the services you need. With regular cleaning, you can maintain healthy, white teeth. You'll have less plaque and tartar to worry about, as well as fewer stains. <h2>Protect Your Gums</h2>Remember, plaque and tartar could lead to gum disease. Gum disease can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473" target="_blank">cause symptoms like</a>:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Spaces between your teeth</li><li data-list="bullet">Pain when chewing</li><li data-list="bullet">Pus between your teeth and gums</li><li data-list="bullet">Bad breath that doesn't go away after brushing</li><li data-list="bullet">Gums that feel tender</li><li data-list="bullet">Gums that bleed easily</li><li data-list="bullet">Swollen or puffy gums</li><li data-list="bullet">A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down</li><li data-list="bullet">Gums that recede from your teeth</li><li data-list="bullet">Loose teeth</li><li data-list="bullet">The loss of teeth</li><li data-list="bullet">Bleeding gums when you brush or floss</li><li data-list="bullet"> </li></ol>Gum disease can develop when plaque forms on your teeth. Plaque can harden under your gumline, causing tartar to form. You could develop gingivitis as a result. Before that can happen, schedule a routine cleaning at your dentist's office right away. <h2>Avoid Harmful Diseases</h2> Not many people realize that their oral health and overall health are connected. Scheduling routine cleanings could help you avoid other health conditions. For example, oral bacteria can cause inflammation and infections. An infection could lead to heart disease and clog your arteries. You could experience a stroke as a result. Bacteria and germs can travel from your teeth to your heart. You could develop endocarditis; an infection in the inner lining of your heart chambers. Your risk of arthritis, diabetes, and pregnancy complications might increase, too.<h2> </h2><h2>Improve Your Overall Health With Routine Dental Cleanings</h2> Don't put your oral or overall health at risk. Instead, consider the benefits of routine dental cleanings. With regular checkups, you can keep bacteria, plaque, and serious conditions at bay.Ready for a stunning, healthy smile? We can help. Learn how to choose a dentist with <a href="https://choicemd.com/provider-search" target="_blank">our helpful directory today</a>.

The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings for Your Total Health

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Have you ever heard of the ACE score?&nbsp; The <a href="https://choicemd.com/blog/pandemic-effects-on-adverse-childhood-experiences-ac-es" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ACE </a>score comes from the ACE quiz (or Adverse Childhood Experience quiz). This quiz is used by doctors, therapists, social workers, and more to determine a child's risk factors for future mental and physical health problems. But what is the ACE quiz really? What kinds of things go into someone's ACE score, and why does it matter?&nbsp; We're here to explain. Keep reading to learn all about the ACE score and how it applies to mental health and child psychology.&nbsp; <img src="https://images.sitesails.com/1/original/7ae6c665-d5fe-4018-91f6-eff80772de6f-ACE_score.jpeg"><h2> </h2><h1>What Is the ACE Score?</h1>Have you ever heard of the ACE score? The <a href="https://choicemd.com/blog/pandemic-effects-on-adverse-childhood-experiences-ac-es" target="_blank">ACE score</a> comes from the ACE quiz (or Adverse Childhood Experience quiz). This quiz is used by doctors, therapists, social workers, and more to determine a child's risk factors for future mental and physical health problems. But what is the ACE quiz really? What kinds of things go into someone's ACE score, and why does it matter? We're here to explain. Keep reading to learn all about the ACE score and how it applies to mental health and child psychology. <h2>What Is the ACE Quiz?</h2> The ACE quiz measures Adverse Childhood Experiences. In other words, it determines whether or not a child has had traumatic experiences that may impact their health in the future (or even at the moment). The ACE quiz is incomplete. It's a brief quiz that features important categories, but those categories could be expanded based on our current understanding of trauma. That said, it's a great starting point. <h2>What Do the Results Mean?</h2> If someone gets a high ACE score, it means that they're more likely to respond to it with poor mental health, "acting out," or a future of substance abuse. The score determines the level of risk. The child may also be at risk for certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, broken bones, heart disease, obesity, and STDs. If a child has a high ACE score, and that child has also been acting out in school, it provides an explanation and gives mental health professionals a starting point. In most ACE quizzes, there are 10 primary questions (though these questions could use an update to include other forms of childhood trauma). The ideal score is 0. Even if someone scores a 1-3, which seems low, those experiences can still be traumatic. It's important to note that the ACE score isn't the definitive guide to determining whether or not someone is going to have issues in the future as a response to their adverse childhood experiences. It doesn't measure positive experiences. This means that if someone has experienced things that go into the quiz, but they also have a strong support network or they've already sought help, they may grow up without any problems. <h2>What Factors Go Into the ACE Score?</h2> As we mentioned, the ACE score seems incomplete in its current form. It doesn't include things that happen outside of the household that could contribute to a child's mental health (such as experiencing racism or sexism, witnessing a traumatic event, homelessness, isolation, and more). It's still a well-rounded quiz. It covers household dysfunction, childhood abuse, and childhood neglect (before the age of 18) in an easy-to-answer way for children. Here's how those questions break down. <h2>Household Dysfunction</h2> Household dysfunction is a large factor in the ACE score. It's also one that many people don't think of when they're determining whether or not a child has experienced trauma. So what does household dysfunction look like? One aspect of household dysfunction is a parent abusing another parent or family member. The quiz specifies mothers, but any kind of abuse that a child sees can be traumatic. Household substance abuse or mental health struggles can also traumatize a child if the child notices them. Children who have lost a parent, through death, divorce, or incarceration, will also have a higher ACE score. While many children thrive with one parent, it's best for them <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930824/#:~:text=Income%20and%20parenting%20largely%20do,not%20shared%20equally%20by%20all." target="_blank">to have two</a> if both parents are healthy and responsible. This doesn't mean that divorce is a problem; it means that after an amicable divorce, both parents should strive to spend time with the child. <h2>Abuse</h2> Childhood abuse is one of the most important (if not the most important) factors in a child's future mental health. The ACE score measures physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. If a child experiences criticism, sexual touching, or physical violence, they'll have a high ACE score. <h2>Neglect</h2> Neglect is the last factor involved in the ACE score. Sometimes neglect intersects with household dysfunction and abuse, but it can also be problematic on its own. There are two primary forms of neglect: physical and emotional.Physical neglect is when a household isn't meeting a child's physical needs. They may not have enough food, water, or proper clothing for the child (regardless of whether or not this is intentional). The child may not get enough sleep. Emotional neglect refers to a household that doesn't meet a child's crucial <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/childhood-emotional-neglect#:~:text=What%20is%20childhood%20emotional%20neglect,a%20way%20that%20is%20harmful." target="_blank">emotional needs</a>. Children need support, enrichment, and affection to develop in a healthy way. <h2>What’s Your ACE Score?</h2> Children and adults alike can take the ACE quiz to determine their risk factors for future health issues. If you have (or know) a child who's displaying poor mental health, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional about earning their ACE score. At Choice MD, we want to help you find the right professional for you and your child. Check out our directory of <a href="https://choicemd.com/provider-search" target="_blank">healthcare professionals</a> to start getting help today.

What Is the ACE Score?

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Did you miss your latest routine check-up? Most adults visit their doctors only <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-get-routine-checkups-at-the-doctor#how-often" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">once every 3 years</a>. However, that shouldn't be the practice for any of us. We must all do our part to make sure that our health is always in top condition.One such way we can do so is by attending routine check-ups. Whether it's set by you or your doctor, skipping it should never be an option. Skipping your routine doctor visits may lead to a development that can impact your daily routines severely.Below are 10 more reasons to attend your routine check-ups. Find out why seeing the doctor on a regular basis is important and how it can help shape your health as you age. <img src="https://images.sitesails.com/1/original/c278e3de-4b13-4257-9cb3-6fad6953bb2f-doctors_appointment.jpeg"><h2> </h2><h1>10 Reasons Why Routine Check-Ups Are Essential for Your Health</h1>Did you miss your latest routine check-up? Most adults visit their doctors only <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-get-routine-checkups-at-the-doctor#how-often" target="_blank">once every 3 years</a>. However, that shouldn't be the practice for any of us. We must all do our part to make sure that our health is always in top condition. One such way we can do so is by attending routine check-ups. Whether it's set by you or your doctor, skipping it should never be an option. Skipping your routine doctor visits may lead to a development that can impact your daily routines severely. Below are 10 more reasons to attend your routine check-ups. Find out why seeing the doctor on a regular basis is important and how it can help shape your health as you age. <h2>Reduces Your Risks of Getting Caught Off Guard By Illnesses</h2> Early detection is another reason for you to go to the doctor regularly. There are a lot of diseases that can go under the radar. You may not even know that your body is faltering until it's too late. Heart disease and certain types of cancer can develop into more complicated ailments without your knowledge. In fact, around <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0501-preventable-deaths.html" target="_blank">40% of annual deaths</a> in the country are due to preventable diseases. A single visit to the doctor can detect them before they get out of hand. This way, doctors can give you measures to prevent it from getting worse or to get rid of it altogether. This way, you can live a longer and healthier life. <h2>You Get Better Treatment For Any Condition You Have</h2> Many health conditions go through different stages of intensity. As you can imagine, earlier stages are easier to cure, provided that it's detected right away. As mentioned above, a routine check-up can do that for you. As a result, you can get your condition cured if possible. If your health condition has progressed beyond curing, you still need not worry. Routine check-ups can help you determine how bad the condition is.The importance of routine check-ups is to help find the right treatment for your condition. Some conditions require specific treatments, and regular check-ups can help determine what you need. The wrong treatment may not have the desired effect on you or can make your condition significantly worse. <h2>Regular Monitoring Can Prevent Further Complications</h2> There are a lot of people diagnosed with pre-existing conditions in their earlier years. Some can suffer from diseases, while others may suffer from disabilities. <a href="https://choicemd.com/blog/the-importance-of-normalizing-disabilities-at-a-young-age" target="_blank">Normalizing disabilities</a> at a young age is important to encourage continued check-ups whenever possible. Doing this can help them prevent their disabilities from becoming worse. This is vital since disabilities often impact the mental, emotional, or physical well-being of an individual. Without regular check-ups, there's no way of knowing what the condition of the individual is. Closely monitoring disabilities and existing conditions can limit the risk of complications along the line. Medical professionals can provide advice and even counseling to those who need it. It's a great way to make sure patients don't get worse between visits. <h2>You Can Relieve Yourself of Your Ailments</h2> Regular trips to the doctor are a great way to know whether you can get relieved of your ailments or not. New technologies are always getting developed, with a lot of them happening in the medical field. These include the development of new cures or vaccines and new solutions to different health conditions. Visiting your doctor is a great way to keep yourself on what's new in the healthcare industry. You never know what can benefit you or your family. Medical professionals will always inform you of anything that can be potentially useful for you. Even if you won't have any need for the developments, it's always nice to keep the latest trends in mind. This way, you'll keep yourself informed and able to provide information to anyone who needs it. <h2>Keeps Your Medical Records Up to Date</h2> It's important that you keep your medical records updated as much as possible. Having a routine check-up gives you the opportunity to inform your doctor about what's been happening with you. This is vital when you're in an emergency situation and cannot provide a brief on your medical history on your own. By keeping your records updated, they will know what to give you and what to avoid administering you. This is important as some medications can have dangerous side effects for you given the right circumstances. For instance, it's important to know whether a person has struggled with drug addiction before. By knowing this, medical professionals will know to avoid giving certain medication. There are some known to trigger the addiction to resurface or become stronger when introduced to the body. It's also important to visit the doctor to keep track of blood records. Blood tests are often administered during a routine check-up. This is to keep track of several things, including any traces of STDs in the blood, or simple things like RBC and WBC counts. <h2>Keeps You On Track for a Healthy Life</h2> Another reason for you to have routine doctor visits is to keep your life on the right track. Check-ups give your doctor the opportunity to evaluate your current health. As mentioned above, blood tests often happen during these visits. They use the results to gauge different things like your cholesterol and sugar levels. They then use the information gathered to recommend to you what you should do. Doing this is a much better option than looking up healthy lifestyle guides on your own. Medical professionals know what's best for individuals based on their body type and sex. They know the best ways to <a href="https://choicemd.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-womens-health-in-miami" target="_blank">improve the health of women</a> and men alike. <h2>Regular Check-Ups Can Reduce the Costs of Healthcare</h2> Routine check-ups also reduce the overall costs of healthcare. Being able to detect and take care of illnesses early prevents you from spending more on curative measures. It's always much better to find yourself in a position of prevention for the sake of your health and finances. While it's true that you'll pay for the check-ups themselves, it's nothing compared to what you may end up paying on medications, treatment, and maintenance. This way, you'll have more funds to use in other emergencies. <h2>Routine Check-Ups Can Help With Stress Management</h2> Nowadays, it's hard to avoid getting stressed. The global health situation we found ourselves in only magnified the stress that some people felt before the pandemic. In fact, <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october" target="_blank">8 in 10 adults</a> say the pandemic was a significant source of stress for them. If you're feeling or have felt immense stress from the lockdown, it's best to visit your doctor. A routine check-up can help determine whether it's affected your body. This can manifest in different ways, from physiological to psychological effects. A full check-up, including a physical exam, will give you the opportunity to find out whether this is the case for you. It also gives you enough time to discuss the stress and possible effects it may have with your doctor. <h2>You Can Get Referred to Specialists</h2> The best thing about check-ups is that your doctor will be well-connected in the field. This means that if they find something concerning during the check-up, they can refer you to an esteemed colleague. Often, your doctor will give you a number to contact them with. On rare occasions, though, you'll get to meet them in person first. This often happens during <a href="https://choicemd.com/blog/5-reasons-to-participate-in-healthcare-community-events" target="_blank">healthcare events</a> where medical professionals will gather. Meeting them through your doctor is a form of networking that falls heavily in your favor. You get to meet the right specialist that can give you the right treatment. This way, your health is in good hands and will surely improve.<h2> </h2><h2>Don't Miss Your Next Routine Check-Up</h2> Your health is something that you should never take for granted. Keep yourself in top condition and know what you're dealing with through the help of routine check-ups. Don't skip them and have a hand at monitoring your health today! Looking for health professionals you can put your trust in? <a href="https://choicemd.com/contact" target="_blank">Get in touch with us</a> and we'll help you find the best health professional in your area. The resources we have ensures that you don't have to find your way through the healthcare system on your own.

10 Reasons Why Routine Check-Ups Are Essential for Your Health

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