Annual healthcare visits like physicals, gynecological exams, dental cleanings, and skin care exams might not be on your list of favorite things to do, but their importance should not be underestimated. Our health is not something to take for granted and annual exams are proven to aid in improving overall health and increase lifespan. Many health conditions, when caught early, are easier to manage than if left untreated for lengthy periods of time. Better yet, preventative care can often reverse various health conditions and complications, or avoid them altogether.
Why We Put It Off
For parents, it is second nature to ensure that children are receiving proper preventative care. However, it seems much easier as adults to let our own healthcare take a seat on the sidelines. Maybe we’re “too busy”. Maybe we let fear and anxiety get the better of us. Whatever the reasons are, none of them are good enough to put our preventative healthcare on pause. Not only do we need to ensure we are taking care of ourselves, for ourselves, but we should also be taking care of ourselves for those we love.
Dr. Erin Kinney specializes in naturopathic medicine. She says that a common reason people skip out on preventative healthcare is that they are busy. She says that while many people find it difficult or cumbersome to carve out time in their busy schedules for preventative care visits, the small amount of time they spend now can save them time later.
She puts it like this. “Prevention in terms of screenings is easy and takes little time out of your day. Let’s say for example you go for a mammogram as part of your preventative care. If they detect breast cancer while it is stage one, it is very easily treatable. But if you put it off because you don’t want to make the time for it, by the time it is detected it might be stage four. By this point not only will you be taking even more time to go through more rigorous treatment, but it very well could cost you your life. The small amount of time you spend on preventative care now, will save you so much more in the long run.”
Other factors that prohibit people from scheduling regular preventive visits include things like access to quality care, high costs associated with care (especially for those who may be uninsured), and negative past experiences with a medical provider.
Dr. Melissa Ramsey MSN, RN, FNP-C says that if access to care is an issue due to cost, people should look at local community centers such as the University of Maryland. They often offer free screenings and cancer education programs. She also suggests checking local county and Department of Health websites which can help locate options for free or low-cost healthcare and preventative screenings.
Another contributing factor to not receiving preventative care can be feelings of shame, anxiety, or fear. It can be scary to think about what might be uncovered during preventative care visits and annual screenings. No one likes to think about the possibility of discovering a major health concern. But not knowing does not make the problem go away, it simply robs the patient and providers of opportunities for early intervention.
Find the Right Provider
Dr. Susan Moreland, DNP, CRN says that sometimes people put off healthcare because they are uncomfortable talking about certain aspects of their health and lifestyle. She gives the example of someone who is unhappy with their weight. She says that some patients might not be ready or feel uncomfortable discussing their weight and the complications associated with being overweight or obese. She says that this is why it is important for patients to have providers whom they feel comfortable with. Doctors are not there to shame patients or make them feel embarrassed about lifestyle or health concerns, they are there to educate and support patients in making the best choices and changes to aid people in being the healthiest versions of themselves. “We look at the whole person to determine the right path for their health journey. Setting attainable goals together to help maximize their health.” She says.
Why Preventative Care Matters
Our bodies are complex systems. There are many internal and external factors that contribute to our overall health. While not all illnesses, diseases, and health complications can be prevented, preventing health issues is always a better option than trying to fix them once they’ve appeared.
Waiting until symptoms arise to get checked out is a dangerous game to play. Dr. Melissa Ramsey says “Some diseases, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and some cancers, do not have early symptoms that will prompt a person to see a medical provider. Early detection is what saves lives. Once symptoms begin, the damage could have already taken place. Preventative care can be the difference between life and death.”
Dr. Kinney says that a good primary care doctor can help patients make sure they are scheduling all of the preventative care and screenings that are necessary to look at the entirety of the body’s systems. For assigned females, early detection of breast and cervical cancer is imperative for disease prevention and better treatment outcomes. “Cervical and breast cancer are two of the leading causes of cancer amongst those AFAB.” Says Maria Mayzel, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC. Depending on factors such as age, gender, and family history, cancer screenings should include things like breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.
Regular preventative visits can also include screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, mental health concerns, and cognitive assessments for older adults. Dr. Moreland says that in addition to screening for cancer with mammograms, colonoscopies, skin screenings, prostate exams, and blood work; cardiovascular screenings and blood work to look at the function of a patient’s kidneys, liver, and thyroid, as well as any concerns about diabetes are an important part of ensuring all systems of the body are being assessed. She says that these screenings change by age and phase of life as well. For her Medicare patients, a mental status exam as well as a fall risk assessment is also included in routine preventative care.
Regular dermatology appointments are important for several reasons, including early detection of skin cancer. “Early detection is key as many skin cancers are easily treatable if caught early.” Says Catalina Lehrer, MMS, PA-C. “If left untreated some skin cancers can progress to cause permanent deformity or mortality such as melanoma.” Even without a family history of skin cancer, Lehrer says that regular skin checks are important for other reasons as well. She says that some skin conditions such as unresolved rashes or lesions can be symptoms of underlying internal issues.
Approach Healthcare With An Empowered Mindset
A certain amount of anxiety and uncertainty is understandable when it comes to preventative healthcare. It can be difficult not to get stuck in the “what if” thought process. By shifting our mindset from “what if they find something wrong” to “these visits help ensure I stay at my healthiest” we can potentially alleviate feelings of fear and anxiety that often accompany healthcare concerns.
Rather than inspiring fear, knowledge of one’s own health should inspire confidence. “Knowledge is power. There are many tests available that can help clients learn their current health status, ultimately allowing them to navigate their long-term healthcare decision-making.” Says Mayzel. “It’s ultimately very empowering to be in charge of your health.”
Helping patients understand what to expect and how to prepare for preventative exams and appointments can create a more empowered mindset toward healthcare. Dr. Kinney lets all of her patients know that any changes that need to be made will not be an insurmountable task that needs to be completed all at once. With the guidance and support of their healthcare providers, patients can make small changes over time that can have long-lasting and substantial impact on their overall health and longevity. Dr. Kinney suggests that patients come prepared for their annual visits. List out any concerns they have, and changes they would like to make, and have as much of their family history available as possible. For those who might not have access to family history, Dr. Kinney says there is nothing to worry about. Providers might decide to be more proactive in preventative care if family history is not available to use as a guideline.
A good relationship between patient and provider can make all the difference. Patients should feel comfortable with their care team and feel like they can be open, honest, and vulnerable. Dr. Moreland says a good patient-provider relationship is a collaborative effort designed to help maximize a patient’s health. All five of these providers say that the relationship between a patient and their doctor can make all the difference in how people feel about healthcare in general. If a patient does not feel comfortable with their provider or feels like they are not being heard, or can’t open up, it might be time for a switch.
Some people find going to the doctor to be an incredibly stressful event. Letting your doctor know ahead of time that you are nervous, talking through the anxiety with a therapist, or bringing a support person to visit can help alleviate distress. Lehrer says that it is perfectly acceptable to bring a support person to your appointments if that helps you feel more comfortable.
When was the last time you scheduled your annual physical? Are you due for a routine dental check? Have you ever had a full body skin check? Take an inventory of your health and wellness goals and get those preventative visits scheduled for 2024! You have so much to live for and deserve to feel your best.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Melissa Ramsey MSN, RN, FNP-C
getyourbodybackwellnesscenter.com
Dr. Susan Moreland, DNP, CRN with Inspire Integrative Medicine
pmg.inspire-im.com/
Dr. Erin Kinney
drerinkinney.com/
Catalina Lehrer, MMS, PA-C
Dermatology physician assistant
Maria Mayzel, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Certified Nurse Midwife and Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Women’s Health Associates, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
By Jillian Amodio
![](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jillian.jpg)
Jillian Amodio is a mother of two, mental health advocate and creator of Moms For Mental Health. She is passionate about family, health and wellness, and spreading joy like glitter! She lives in Cape Saint Claire with her husband, children, and crazy dog.