Throughout your life, you may encounter health concerns that require routine monitoring. It’s a good idea to visit the doctor as often as you can, especially for preventive care.
According to Around the Sound, those visits can help catch problems before they become serious or costly. They can also give you a chance to build a trusting relationship with your doctor.
Baby/Infant
The first few years of your baby’s life are an extremely important time for his overall physical and emotional wellness. You’ll have many important healthcare appointments with your doctor throughout that time.
The first of these visits is usually scheduled within the first 3-5 days after birth, depending on your baby’s needs. At this appointment, your doctor will check your baby’s general health and do their first physical exam. They’ll also perform their newborn’s first hearing test, assess your baby’s oxygen levels, and look for any signs of jaundice, weight, or feeding issues.
Another big part of this visit is that your doctor will do a metabolic screening. This means they’ll take a blood sample to determine how your baby’s body functions. They’ll check to ensure your baby’s liver, kidneys, and other organs are working properly.
This is also the visit where your baby will get his first vaccines, including a hepatitis B shot. Vaccines are important because they help prevent more than a dozen serious diseases.
After your baby gets the first couple of shots, they’ll be in the habit of visiting the doctor every two to three months to ensure their growth and development is on track. These visits also give your doctor an opportunity to re-evaluate your baby’s safety and well-being, including sleep patterns.
This reliable dentist in Pasadena also recommends bringing your baby to a dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Child
Children and teens often need to visit their doctor for health problems. But they may also have questions about when to call for help or what to do with minor problems at home.
Kids may feel scared or angry about medical conditions and procedures. They may worry that the doctor will make them sick or hurt them.
If your child has a medical problem, talk to them about it in a positive way and let them know that they can ask the doctor anything. Explain that these visits are important for keeping your child healthy.
During the visit, the doctor will check your child’s growth and development to see if there are any issues. They will also give your child immunizations and other shots. They will also perform screening tests (hearing, vision, etc.).
Most kids have wellness or well-child visits at ages 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months. These checks can help your child reach their full potential and prevent future health issues.
A regular healthcare routine can keep your child happy and healthy, so getting them started early is good. Choosing a doctor who understands children’s needs and concerns is a great starting point. Your doctor can help you navigate the sometimes-confusing world of modern medicine and ensure your child receives the best care possible.
Teen
Regularly seeing the doctor for wellness visits is important throughout a child’s life, but it becomes even more vital as your teen ages. Regular checkups help track changes in a teenager’s physical and mental health, offer tips on avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as drinking or smoking, and provide guidance on safety issues that may arise during their growing years.
Visiting the doctor yearly is also an excellent way to build a relationship with your teenager and ensure that you’re both on the same page about their healthcare needs. During this time of rapid growth and development, your teen needs to feel confident in their ability to speak openly and clearly with a trusted medical provider about anything that comes up.
Many teenage patients are more hesitant to talk with their doctors about personal matters than adults or babies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t encourage a private discussion during your teen’s visit. Physicians understand how to ask questions that can flag potential physical, social, or mental health concerns without compromising the confidentiality of your teen’s information.
For teens, it’s important to remember that everything they discuss privately with a healthcare professional remains confidential, with one exception: if your teen exhibits signs of depression or anxiety or has thoughts of self-harm, the doctor will break the confidentiality. However, this is only necessary when the doctor believes your teen’s health or someone else’s is in danger.
Young Adult
During young adulthood, we experience many life changes. Our sexual health, physical development, and cognitive abilities all change. Our independence from our parents also changes. All of these things can make it hard for some people to keep up with the regular health checkups they need.
However, preventive screenings and wellness exams are critical for all ages. They can help identify risk factors for diseases before they get worse, saving time and money in the long run.
A good primary care doctor will work with you to develop a plan to manage your health and stay healthy. That means taking your health history, discussing any medications, and addressing any concerns you may have.
You should also discuss any new symptoms or conditions you are experiencing, such as pain, indigestion, fatigue, or weight loss. This will help your doctor diagnose or treat these issues as soon as possible, leading to better outcomes overall.
Your doctor will likely review your medical record and order any screening tests or vaccinations you are due for based on your overall state of health. This can include Pap tests, STI (sexually transmitted infection) screening, blood pressure checks, and the yearly influenza vaccine.
As you get older and your needs change, finding a doctor who will continue to support your health throughout your life is important. By keeping up with your health, you can avoid some of the common problems that can arise at older ages, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Middle Adult
Although many people view middle adulthood as the infamous midlife crisis, it is actually a normal and healthy stage of life for most adults. This is the age when most people develop a sense of self-satisfaction, competence, and commitment to family and society.
During this phase, many adults also experience physical health changes, including losing weight and having a more active lifestyle. During this time, it’s important to get regular checkups with your primary care doctor. This person will help you stay on track with your health goals and can spot problems that you might not be aware of.
A good primary care physician can also advise you about the best vaccinations and screening tests to prevent illnesses and diseases. In addition, they can offer a range of services that can enhance your overall quality of life and extend your lifespan.
If you’re planning on visiting the doctor for the first time, here are some tips to make your visit successful. This includes bringing a companion, reading any written instructions in advance, and taking notes about your appointment. It’s also a good idea to update your doctor on any significant events or symptoms that have occurred since your last visit, like weight loss or an increase in appetite. It’s a great way to show your doctor you are taking care of yourself. The more you take control of your health, the better off you will be.
Older Adult
If an older adult has any symptoms, seeing a doctor immediately is important. Even if the symptoms aren’t a serious health concern, they may be warning signs that something is wrong. For instance, an older adult who experiences a new pain or a change in their mood or behavior might be experiencing a sign of a chronic illness.
It’s also a good idea to get regular checkups for older adults, especially if they have a health condition. These visits can help seniors maintain their health and ensure they get the care they need to live their best lives.
A medical checkup is a great opportunity to go over medications, discuss any ongoing health concerns and go over recommended tests. This is particularly important for seniors who have multiple health conditions.
If possible, older adults with a health condition should visit their primary care physician regularly, at least once a month. This can help them manage their disease and prevent complications that could result in hospitalizations or death.
For example, a doctor can prescribe medication that can reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia. They can also perform an x-ray to check for a chest infection, a leading cause of mortality among older adults. They can also perform an examination to check for any other issues with the lungs, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
