You feel good, have no major health concerns, and have a thousand things to do. Why would you want to add one more thing to your busy schedule like taking the time for an annual wellness exam or finding a primary care provider?
Research shows that people who have a primary care provider actually live longer[1]. They are less likely to die from cancer, heart disease, stroke and many other illnesses. Primary care providers form relationships with their patients which leads to better medical care by catching small health problems before they become serious.
Here are five benefits of having a primary care provider:
- Holistic Care: A primary care provider knows how to deal with everything from helping you with the flu, to back pain and digestion issues, to uncovering serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. They can treat almost anything. If not, they’ll refer you to a provider who can.
- Familiarity: Over time, your provider will get to know you as person. You’ll build trust and be able to talk about anything that’s bothering you physically or otherwise.
- Guidance: Your primary care provider is the person who helps you navigate the labyrinth of the modern healthcare system. They:
- know your health and family history.
- help you find the best specialist if you need one.
- know about all of the medicines and supplements you’re taking and look for possible interactions.
- order the appropriate tests and other diagnostics you need at each stage of your life.
- answer any questions you have regarding your care, no matter where you receive it, so you are clear on all of the details.
- and much more!
- Partnership: Your primary care provider isn’t just interested in you when you’re sick. They also want to partner with you for your overall wellness. Consider your primary care provider your best source for information on things like weight management, smoking cessation, help with alcohol and drug use, sexual health and fertility, and managing stress and anxiety.
- Prevention: Primary care providers will offer or arrange for screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and more. It’s important to note that many serious illnesses are found during routine physicals, including the top three diseases that have no symptoms: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 Diabetes. When these illnesses are left untreated, they can have severe consequences. Also, many early stage cancers have no symptoms. Detecting cancer early gives you an edge for successful treatment and cure.
Having a primary care provider you trust is one the most important things you can do for a lifetime of good health. Have we convinced you? Contact us today and schedule a wellness exam with one of our Family Nurse Practitioners!