Most of us don’t think about our health until we’re sick. And sometimes feeling sick isn’t even enough for us to see a doctor. There are many reasons we put off getting the care we need.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- “I don’t have the time.”
- “I don’t have a doctor.”
- “I can’t afford a visit.”
- “I don’t want to be a burden.”
- “I’ll get better on my own.”
- “It’s probably just all in my head.”
- “I’m afraid to get bad news.”
Whatever the reason, putting off care only raises the risk of your condition getting worse.
Don’t delay getting help
Putting your healthcare first could help you feel better sooner. It could also keep things from getting worse or fix a problem before it’s too late.
Having a primary care provider is important, but if you don’t have one don’t let that stop you from getting care. You have other options, like:
- Telehealth or virtual care. You can see a healthcare provider via phone or video call.
- Urgent care. Many areas have walk-in clinics. You can get lab tests or even X-rays.
- Ask a friend or family member. Those you trust might refer you to their own doctor.
Getting better on our own usually means we’ll go see a doctor if things get worse. But waiting for symptoms to get worse can cause a longer recovery time. It could also mean you’re spreading a contagious disease to those around you.
Anxious, fearful or embarrassing feelings are common. But whether your diagnosis is minor or more serious, your doctor will help you choose the best course of treatment.
Don't wait until you're sick
When you're feeling well you might not understand the reason to see a doctor. But seeing a doctor while you’re well could prevent issues in the first place.
Preventive care focuses on helping you stay healthy on a daily basis. Along with a regular health exam, preventive care could include:
- Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests
- Cancer screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms
- Vaccinations against disease like flu, COVID-19 and tetanus shots
- Counseling on treating depression, managing weight, reducing alcohol use and more
Preventive care has many benefits that can make your life so much better:
- Early detection. Catching an unseen health issue could keep it from becoming serious. Health issues are more treatable the earlier you catch them.
- Longer life. Taking care of yourself every day has a big impact on lifespan! You can live longer if you prevent health issues from becoming bigger problems.
- Save money. If caught early, the cost of managing your condition could be much lower. Preventive care can help reduce the need for expensive medications or testing.
Preventive care starts with you
Your healthcare providers are there to help you live a healthy life. But preventive care begins with you making healthy lifestyle choices. It’s never too late to start new healthy habits.
Aim to:
- Get some physical activity each day
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of vitamin-packed vegetables
- Get good-quality sleep, and plenty of it
- Stay hydrated by drinking more water
- Limit alcohol and/or quit tobacco
- Get routine checkups with a healthcare provider
Prevention is better than hoping for a cure when things are at their worst. Preventive care could increase your chances of living a long, active life.