Why you shouldn’t only go to your doctor when you are sick

You may only think about going to the doctor when you’re sick – but annual physicals are just as important for your long-term health.

“Annual physicals help to manage health issues as they come up. They also help to track health changes and trends over time,” explained Matthew Goldman, MD, family medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Don’t put off medical checkups

Dr. Goldman encourages people to not put off getting things like their blood pressure and cholesterol checked.

He said an annual doctor’s visit can help catch health problems early on and lead to better treatment options.

During a physical, your provider can decide which screenings are right for you based on your age and family history.

This is a good time to bring up any health concerns to your doctor as well.

Why regular doctor checkups are important for kids

Dr. Goldman said these regular checkups aren’t just crucial for adults – they’re important for kids, too.

“We like to keep track of how the child’s developing and make sure they’re getting the essential immunizations,” Dr. Goldman said. “We also want to identify any potential health or behavioral issues early because it will help the child succeed later in life.”

Dr. Goldman adds keeping up with dental and vision exams is also essential for your overall health.