Spring Screenings
What do you think of when you hear the term “self-care”? A week-long wellness retreat or lengthy bubble baths every night? Does it feel like an extravagance you don’t have time for because of work, family, or other daily responsibilities?
If so, we’d like you to consider another angle this season: Why not drop a little spring screening into your spring cleaning? Scheduling an appointment you need is one way to tidy up your to-do list. Plus, caring for yourself helps you continue to care for the ones you love.
Self-care isn’t selfish—and it doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive, either. In fact, with the help of your care team, you can be both tactical and practical:
When you get an annual exam, it’s self-care.
When you go to physical therapy to alleviate pain, it’s self-care.
When you get screened for cancer, diabetes, STIs, or hypertension, it’s self-care.
When you and your provider create a plan to get (or stay) healthy, it’s self-care.
When you talk about your mental health with a therapist, it’s self-care.
Preventive screenings help you create health baselines and reduce the chances of having unexpected issues in the future. And understanding your body helps you and your provider recognize more quickly when something doesn’t feel quite right.
If that’s not enough, here are two more good reasons to make an appointment: Knowledge is power and early detection saves lives.
So, when you do see your provider, the more you share at each visit, the better. You are building a relationship with them, shining a light on your family health history, and working together to set and reach your goals.
Your Preventive Care Checklist
Studies show that our genes determine only 20% of our life expectancy, making lifestyle choices and disease prevention key factors in leading a long and healthy life. This checklist reminds you to prioritize your health by scheduling your annual wellness exams and remaining up-to-date on vaccines and screenings, so you can be your best health advocate as you age.
Please note: These checklists are for guidance and are not comprehensive of all situations and needs. It’s important to speak with your Primary Care Provider about your family history and specific health concerns.
Young Adulthood: 20-40 Years
Considered the honeymoon of health, this is a time when you are achieving physical and mental prowess. Regular screenings ensure accurate health monitoring, early and effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.
The Middle Years: 40-60 years
A combination of lifestyle choices made at a young age coupled with genetic risk factors begin to surface during your middle years. Heart health, high blood pressure, and weight gain are all areas to watch during these years of life. As the metabolism naturally slows, maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy dietary habits becomes increasingly important.
Later years: 60 years +
This is the time when you need to be getting regular health check-ups. Increasingly, chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes may become bigger concerns, as well as falls that can lead to bone fractures.
Schedule your annual wellness exam
Self-care is starting to feel downright productive, isn’t it? Bring renewed body wisdom and clarity into the longer, warmer days of spring.
Connect with a Personal Health Navigator to schedule a screening, annual exam, therapy, or other type of visit today with your care team at The Health Center at Hudson Yards.