Southwest Health
There are many reasons why it’s essential to get regular checkups. Below is a helpful guide for all those yearly screenings or visits.
- Meeting with your provider at least once a year helps get ahead of your risk of getting sick by learning new ways to live a healthier life.
- Detecting potentially life-threatening health conditions is more likely with regular monitoring through blood work, screenings, and talking with your doctor.
- Talking openly about your health and any questions you may have, the better your relationship with your provider becomes.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Getting back to Southwest Health and setting up that first appointment is the priority.
Cancer Screenings. The key to fighting cancer is early detection. That task becomes a lot more difficult the longer discovery is delayed, and the disease continues to develop. If you have never had a colonoscopy or mammogram and you’re above 45, it’s time to set up an appointment.
- Colonoscopy. Did you know that the age recommendation for colonoscopies has recently changed from 50 years old to 45? That means you might be overdue for an exam. While colonoscopies are understandably something you may have been putting off, this age change and the risk of developing colon cancer are two critical motivators to get scheduled.
- Mammogram. Women should have a mammogram every year between 45 to 55 and every two years if older than 55. A mammogram can be a great aid in early detection, which helps to save lives. Breast cancer is very prevalent, with 1 in 8 women developing the disease in their lifetime. Early detection and getting screened every year can help you lower your risk of serious complications.
Vaccines. A few common vaccines are listed below, but if you’re questioning your need for a specific vaccine, give your provider a call and ask! They will be happy to walk you through what’s missing from your immunization records or what needs to be updated.
- Flu Shot. It’s not too late to get a flu shot for the year! The flu usually peaks between December and February, so getting one now can help protect you and your family from the dreaded chills and aches that come with the virus.
- RSV. Talk with your provider to see if getting the newly released RSV vaccine is right for you.
- Shingles. Adults over the age of 50 should get the shingles vaccine to protect themselves against the painful rash and blister combination and the complications that arise with them.
- Tetanus. Suppose you’re not up to date on your tetanus shot or don’t know when you first got it. In that case, it’s highly recommended to check in with your provider, especially if you are working in fields like farming, construction, landscaping, or anything similar where you are at a higher risk of contracting tetanus.
- HPV. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for preteens from age 11 to adults until age 26 to protect against the Human Papillomavirus, which can cause different cancers later in life. Getting the vaccine now can protect your child in the future.
- COVID-19 & COVID – 19 Booster. If you’re looking to get your COVID-19 booster or start the COVID-19 vaccination series for the first time, give Southwest Health a call to get your questions answered and set up an appointment!
The bottom line? Your health is essential, and putting off care will only make your symptoms more complicated. Don’t be scared or nervous to come in, whether you’re behind on prescription refills, vaccines, or screenings. Your provider can help you each step of the way and get back on track towards better health.
