5 Doctors to Visit…

5 Doctors to Visit in 2014

As you get older, it seems as if visits to the doctor become less and less frequent. Whether it’s due to a lack of time or a tight budget, many even begin to opt out of their annual physicals and regular check-ups. Some will remain unaffected by missing these appointments, but for individuals with a history of disease or illness in their family, it could be more serious.

As we move into 2014, many of us are formulating New Year’s resolutions, making promises to become more fit, improve ourselves, and reach new goals, but there’s one resolution that should be on everyone’s list this year: your health. Prevention is one of the most important ways to stay healthy, and going to the doctor for physicals and check-ups is a great way to prevent, detect, and treat the onset of diseases and cancers.

According to The Huffington Post, these are the 10 health experts you should be seeing (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/08/doctors-to-see_n_2426870.html):

–Family Doctor

By having an annual check-up, you can be sure that your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are all on target, and if they aren’t, you can treat them early, preventing the risk of greater problems down the road.

–Dermatologist

This is especially true for individuals with a history of skin cancer or who have moles or irregular sunspots; a yearly dermatologist appointment is crucial to keep track of any changes or irregularity to the skin.

–Gynecologist

Pregnant women, of course, should be visiting their gynecologist more frequently, but all women are recommended to schedule an appointment with their OBGYN every 1-3 years, depending on their personal situation.

–Dentist

A great way to detect certain health problems and to prevent others is to simply visit your dentist. By getting your teeth cleaned and x-rayed once a year, you’ll be doing far more for your body than keeping your smile nice (but you’ll be doing that, too!)

–Colonoscopy/Proctologists

You should begin undergoing colonoscopies when you are about 50, and doctors recommend that low risk individuals receive a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a history of colon cancer or other colon-related disease in your family, you should be receiving them more often. Diseases like these tend to be very treatable, if they are detected early enough.

Other doctors included in this article are allergists, occupational therapists, ENT specialists, and chiropractors. Every individual is different, so be sure to talk to the doctors in your life for their recommendations.

We wish you a happy, HEALTHY holiday season!