How Often Should You Visit Your Physician? What Tests Should You Get?

When it comes to your health, an ounce of prevention is always worth more than a pound of cure. It’s never a good practice to go to your doctor when you’re sick. Maintaining good health is crucial for leading a happy and fulfilling life. One important aspect is visiting your physician regularly to ensure you receive the necessary care and screenings to identify potential health issues. But how often should you see your physician, and what tests should you get?

This article will guide you on staying on top of your health through regular visits to your physician and recommended screenings. By following the recommendations below, you can take an active role in your healthcare and ensure you’re in the best possible health.

When Should You Visit Your Physician?

For healthy adults under 50, it’s generally recommended to visit your physician once every three years for a routine physical examination. This visit typically includes reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, and screenings for specific conditions. Your physician may also discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing and may recommend specific tests or screenings based on your particular needs.

As you age, it may be necessary to visit your physician more frequently. Individuals over 50 must regularly see their doctors once a year or more to monitor and manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But if you’re busy or can’t go to a clinic for a check-up, the clinic can be the one to go to your home. If you’re interested, you can check out https://www.communityhcp.com/ to learn more.  

Which Tests Should You Take?

So aside from routine physical examinations, there are specific tests that you may need to get regularly. These may include:

• Blood Pressure Tests

Blood pressure tests measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that increases your heart disease and stroke risk. Having your blood pressure checked regularly is essential to ensure it’s within a healthy range.

Two numbers are measured during a blood pressure test: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The former represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating. While the latter represents the pressure in your arteries when the heart is resting between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg.  

There are several ways to measure blood pressure, including using a manual blood pressure cuff or an automated machine. To get an accurate reading, it’s important to be seated and relaxed, with your feet flat on the ground and your arm supported at heart level. It’s also recommended to avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.

• Cholesterol Tests

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by your liver and found in certain foods, such as animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. While your body needs cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol is classified into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). These are also known as ‘bad’ and ‘good’ cholesterol, respectively. LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease, while HDL cholesterol helps to remove excess cholesterol from your body.

To check your cholesterol levels, your physician may recommend a cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test measures your blood’s LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels. It’s generally recommended to have your cholesterol levels checked every five years or more frequently if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.  

• Cancer Screenings

Cancer screenings are used to detect cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. By identifying cancer early, you have a better chance of successful treatment and a higher likelihood of survival.

There are several types of cancer screenings. Below are some of them:

• Mammograms – These x-ray images of the breast are used to detect breast cancer. It’s generally recommended for women over 50 to get a mammogram every two years or more frequently if there’s a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
• Pap smears – These tests are used to detect cervical cancer. It’s recommended that women get a pap smear every three years starting at age 21 or more frequently if they have a history of abnormal pap smears or other risk factors.
• Colonoscopies – These tests are used to detect colon and rectal cancer. It’s generally recommended for adults over the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently if they have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

It’s essential to consult your physician about which cancer screenings are appropriate for you based on your age, gender, and medical history.

• Diabetes Screening

Glucose is a type of sugar that is your body’s main source of energy. On the other hand, diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot use and store glucose properly.  

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin.

If you’re at risk for diabetes, your physician may recommend getting a blood sugar test to check for the condition. Risk factors for diabetes include being overweight, having a family history, and having high blood pressure. 

Several types of blood sugar tests can be used to diagnose diabetes. This includes:  

• Fasting plasma glucose test – measures your blood sugar after an eight-hour fast.
• Oral glucose tolerance test – measures your blood sugar after you have consumed a sugary drink. 
• Hemoglobin A1C test – measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

In addition to these tests, your physician may recommend other screenings or tests based on your specific needs. It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your physician to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate care.

Conclusion

Visiting your physician regularly is an essential aspect of maintaining good health. The frequency of these visits will depend on various factors, such as age, medical history, and current health status. In addition to routine physical exams, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with recommended screenings and tests to identify and address any potential health issues.  

By working with your physician and taking an active role in your healthcare, you can improve your quality of life and ensure you’re in the best possible health. It’s always a good idea to visit your physician regularly and get the necessary tests to maintain good health.