The Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Health

Most people hate going to the doctor’s office. Even if it’s just for a quick, routine check-up, you feel dread and it seems like an inconvenience. You dread making the call. You sigh as you have to take a break during your work day to make the visit. When you walk into the office and the smell of antiseptic hits your nose, you recoil with distaste. Filling out your health history seems tedious, and then you are stuck waiting in the waiting room next to a stack of magazines from seven years ago for twenty minutes even though you were early to your appointment. Then vitals are checked, possible symptoms are discussed, tests are run, later on, insurance is dealt with, and in the end everything comes back healthy. You might ask yourself, “What was the point of all of that? Is it even worth it to visit the doctor if I feel healthy?”

The answer is yes. Visiting the doctor regularly, even when you feel completely healthy, is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Preventative care, defined by United Health Care as, “focus[ing] on maintaining your health, and establishing your baseline health status. This may include immunizations, vaccines, physical evaluations, lab work, x-rays and medically appropriate health screenings.” Practicing preventative care is one of the best ways to catch anything that might become serious, whether that be blood sugar levels, heart problems, or cancer, and of course prevent illnesses (as in the case with vaccinations).

The next time you hesitate to schedule your yearly check-up, remember that these preventative practices are always easier and far less painful than any of the illnesses or health problems that might develop if you go without.