How to Do a Spring Health Checkup
Before the joys and obligations of summer hit--why not take a look at your own health as part of your "spring checkup?" You are probably doing it for your house, car and garden--so why not do it for YOU? Bodies need maintenance just like any other fine running machine. Get yours tuned up today! Here are some ways to do it.
Things You'll Need
- A list of your heath condition(s)
- An appointment with your primary care provider
- Cleaning out your medicine cabinet
Instructions
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1
Make a list of all of your chronic (if any) health issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and back pain. Now review your list and write down the last time you had your healthcare provider examine each of these with you. Be honest. Six months is the maximum time anyone with a chronic health problem in need of medical care should go without a checkup.
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2
Review your immunizations. Are they up to date? Especially look at the last time you had a tetanus shot. If the answer is you "don't remember," then the action is get one!
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3
Clean out your medicine cabinet. Take out all of your prescribed medications, place them in a bag and bring them with you to your spring health checkup. This is a great way for you and your healthcare provider to review the medications you are on to determine if you still need them or if there are there new alternatives available. It is also a great way to review any out-of-date medications that have been "hiding" in the back of your medicine cabinet and need to be renewed with a fresh supply or simply tossed. Do the same with your over-the-counter medications.
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4
Examine your health maintenance testing needs such as mammogram, colonoscopy and bone density scan. People seem to take much better care of their cars than themselves. Invest in your health!
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Once you have completed all of the above, call and make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Let the receptionist know that you are bringing in your meds and want to review your health needs so that they can schedule an appropiate amount of time for your visit.
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Tips & Warnings
Your health matters. Take the time to invest in yourself.
Never assume everything is "OK" if you have not heard from your primary care provider. You have to take charge.
Make this spring health checkup an annual event to keep yourself in tip-top shape.
