According to a 2015 survey of more than 2,000 Americans from Zocdoc, a digital health platform, 80 percent of people said they delayed or swore off preventive care. Millennials, in particular, avoid the doctor the most, with nine in 10 (93 percent) not scheduling medical appointments. Over half of Millennials (51 percent) also reported visiting a doctor less than once a year.
Some of the young adults I’ve encountered typically have very valid reasons for avoiding the doctor. You have to research specialist, find an internal medicine doctor you click with, make an appointment and hope that you don’t have a last minute meeting that will be vital and cause you to cancel.
However, there are just a few appointments you need a year to ensure you are in good health. Some doctors stay open one Saturday a month to accommodate for working professionals. It takes a few months to get an appointment however you can just block out that day and get it taken care of. Here are some of the most important physicals and routine checkups you want to take care of and don’t wait till year end when everyone is trying to use their insurance.
Annual Physical
You are now an Adult. You have been for a while but it’s time to start making sure you are taking care of yourself properly. It’s time to get a full head to toe check up. For most of us we left it to our parents to take us to the physician during grade school and probably saw the pediatrician for most of those years. Then, during college you might’ve seen the University onsite Nurse for flu shots and colds. Well, it’s time to get a head to toe checkup and make it an annual priority. Your body changes so much during your twenties and it’s really important that you take care of it. Also, don’t skip out on your womanly/manly exam either. Your insurance covers it and if you aren’t aware, birth control is covered as well. On top of that, go ahead and ask for an STD test. Yup, most insurances cover it and it’s just a little more blood work that you can take care of during the same visit.
Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening are vital part of your physical exam as there are typically no symptoms of issues in early age and can easily be corrected/prevented if caught early.
The way we nourish ourselves is so important and the sleepless nights, caffeine and stress will have taken a toll on your body. Also, once you find your primary care physician, it will be a lot easier to get a quick appointment for colds or antibiotics. You don’t want to end up in the hospital. That will only cost you more time and money.
Dental Care
I know, i know. We all want to avoid the dentist. Why? Because every time we go in there’s a problem. Right? My biggest tip on this one is to research around and find a dentist you trust and get in a good dental hygiene routine so you don’t want to avoid the dentist. Most dentists also offer a mini checkup cleaning between appointments which can help you stay on top of your checkups and hygiene and ensure there won’t be issues each time you go to your dentist.
TMJ issues and headaches are caused my your jaw and your dentist can give you solutions in helping those headaches and jaw lock issues you may be experiencing. Best of all.. it’s usually covered by your insurance.
Eye Care
It’s important to get your eyes checked whether or not you have vision issues. If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years or more often if recommended by your provider. If you have diabetes, then you want to be sure you have an eye exam at least every year. Vision insurance is usually just a few dollars per pay period, under most employers, and it’s your pretax dollars.
Skin Care
Most PCP’s will check your skin during your annual physical however, i highly recommend you get a skin screening from a dermatologist if you have any other issues. In your twenties your skin will change. You may get a mole or infection and sometimes going straight to the dermatologist will really help you nix the problem at the root. A small pimple or mole may be a bigger concern than you may think or maybe it won’t be. Always best to check on things sooner rather than later when it’s too late to fix.