*Photo Accredited to Canadian Obesity Network (CON) Image Bank*
There are a TON of things in life we don’t like doing. Getting up to make it to work in the morning, cleaning the house, paying the bills and running errands when we’d much rather be relaxing… you get the drift.
When you stop to think about it, scheduling regular check-ups with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is another one of those dreaded responsibilities that comes with adulthood. Why do we delay preventative healthcare when our bodies depend on it for a happy, healthy life?
Procrastination Doesn’t Work for Your Health
You may get away with procrastinating on a much-needed car wash or oil change, or maybe even a job/homework assignment. But what you can’t get away with is procrastinating on your health, because Your Health Matters.
Aside from biological factors, your body functions as a direct result of how you treat it. Sure, this means a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management and plenty of sleep. But that’s not all there is to the equation! For complete health, it’s important to be mindful of your body at all times — and that includes paying attention to the way you feel and the way your body behaves. It’s time we make routine medical healthcare a part of that equation too.
Healthcare and Achieving Your Fullest Potential
We get it. Seeing the doctor can be a scary experience, especially if you haven’t found a doctor-patient relationship or health facility that makes you feel comfortable and in good hands.
However, healthcare systems are working to make the experience of accessing healthcare more pleasing. This includes more pleasant waiting rooms, virtual care, shorter waiting times and even online scheduling. Visiting your PCP may not ever be a fun experience, but there are steps you can take to make it better:
- Read patient reviews of doctors before selecting one
- Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns
- Be open and honest about your fears, insecurities and health conditions
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Medical Appointments
Even if you take all of the above steps, visiting your PCP for routine healthcare visits can seem daunting. But you have to remember… routine healthcare helps you:
- Identify problems you may not have known existed
- Prevent problems before they become worse
- Alleviate pre-existing conditions that will elevate your quality of life.
If you find yourself afraid to take that very next step and schedule an appointment with a PCP, consider a few of these tips:
- Take Your Time – Small steps build confidence and assurance.
- Examine Your Options – See what kind of healthcare teams are out there.
- Stay Up-to-date – Sign-up for patient reminders or email newsletters.
- Prepare for Your Appointment – Come with a list of concerns, questions and goals.
- Seek Out Help – Talk to someone if your fears or anxieties are too strong.
Want to Learn More about Preparing for Your Next Medical Visit?
You can view the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine by CLICKING HERE.
