There are countless reasons people skip out on doctor’s appointments, including fear, money, and time. However, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some doctor’s appointments that you shouldn’t skip.
Your Annual Checkup
Even if you don’t feel like anything is “wrong,” it doesn’t mean there aren’t any underlying issues you aren’t aware of. At least once a year, you should be checking in with your general practitioner for a routine physical. They’ll typically check your blood pressure and heart rate and maybe do some bloodwork. If anything, you’ll get a baseline for your health for any problems going forward.
Cancer Screenings
Routine screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smears are designed to catch anything worrisome as early as possible – before symptoms appear. So when you postpone these appointments, you could be putting yourself at risk.
Red Flag Appointments
At some point, you’ve likely noticed something on your body that’s concerning, whether it’s as small as a suspicious mole or something as all-encompassing as the inability to sleep. The symptoms run the gamut, but the truth remains: When something seems off, it’s worth getting it checked out as soon as possible.
Emergencies
Believe it or not, some people refuse to go to the emergency room – even when a visit is warranted. The pandemic has only added to that trepidation for many. Regardless of what’s going on in the world, getting the urgent care you need is always important, so make sure you’re prioritizing those emergency visits when and if they come up. Staying home is likely only going to worsen the problem, which could increase your time in the hospital down the road.
Dental Appointments
While it may not seem like the dentist should be a high-priority visit, it is. These appointments aren’t only designed to ensure your smile remains pearly white but also that there aren’t any underlying issues or health problems. Your oral health can also impact other areas of your body, including your heart and lungs, so keeping your teeth nice and clean should undoubtedly be a priority.
Mental Health Appointments
Keeping your mental health in check should be one of your highest priorities, as it can affect everything else in your life, including eating, sleeping, relationships, concentration, and overall happiness. Depression or anxiety can also be the underlying causes of many physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, muscle aches, and more. Sometimes, talking things out with an unbiased professional can make a huge difference.