Health: Balancing Your Health Part V- Hygiene and Regular Check-ups
When was the last time you had a Check-up? A REAL check-up?
How often do you perform REAL personal hygiene?
It is very important to have a primary care provider in which you see at least once a year (if not more pending on the advice of your provider) to make sure that you are maintaining your health, managing any chronic or acute conditions appropriately, and to screen for anything that can be prevented. Early detection is always key in screenings to prevent condition (such as receiving vaccinations) or to treat a condition earlier than later (for example, cancer or being pre-diabetic). Studies show that early detection and treatment helps improve outcomes significantly!
At each check up you should make sure your information is updated. Some items you want to update include allergies, medical history, surgical history, social history, family history, medications that you are currently taking, if vaccinations are up to date, screenings are up to date, and when your last check ups were for provider, eyes, and dental. Update any referrals you may have or may need. Discuss medications, interactions, side effects, and conditions with your provider. Ask for community resources that may help you such as support groups, discounted medications, or counseling to name a few.
Personal hygiene should occur on a daily basis to maintain healthy mind and body. It allows us to inspect our body for changes, alterations, or potential infections or conditions that may require exam and treatment earlier rather than later.
For example, people with diabetes want to examine their feet daily to ensure that there aren’t any wounds that could lead to infection that if not treated, can lead to gangrene or possible sepsis that may result in amputation if caught too late. Many people can catch skin cancer or rashes that are due to an allergy through daily inspection.
Daily hygiene can also help us feel better mentally. If we mentally feel better we often times feel physically better and more confident in our day to day. Think about it – how did you feel when you accidentally forgot to brush your teeth and left for work?? Exactly! We have all done it and then had to make that quick stop to grab a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush really quick in order to feel better the rest of the day!
Daily hygiene and frequent hygiene practices can help us prevent the spread of infectious disease and germs to others. It is so important to be consistent with hygiene to stay healthy and keep others healthy.
Oral and physical hygiene are important to prevent health complications and help us feel better about ourselves. Getting regular check-ups are important to screen, prevent, and manage any health or injury conditions early rather than wait until they are so complicated treatment may not be possible or take a long time to overcome. Always ask your health care provider for advice on diet, exercise, medications, supplements, and resources in the community that may help you with whatever you are going through. It's important to have a honest and trusting relationship with your provider.
PRAISE. ENCOURAGE. STAY POSITIVE. FOCUS. PURPOSE. LIFESTYLE.