You’ve rushed through your morning and barely had time to down your coffee as you herded your kids to school. On your way to work, you chow a half-eaten chocolate bar for breakfast. Then it’s a series of crises adverted as you navigate toward that time when the kids are out of school and you must be at the school gates ready to pick them up.
In the middle of all this chaos, did you forget to look into a chiropractor appointment for yourself? Or booking the various annual checkups that might be nice to get to, but that aren’t urgent…?
The reality for most moms is that unless something hurts, the temptation is to put it off it off in favor of what needs immediate attention now.
Unfortunately, this can lead to health complications down the line. Taking a proactive approach to one’s health is the best way to prevent major sicknesses and keep you hale and hearty for the long run.
Here are the 4 doctor appointments that should be on your calendar if you can’t remember the last time you did the following…
A cleaning session at the dental office.
Experts vary on how often you should pencil in time in a dental chair. But one thing is for certain, if you can’t pinpoint the year that you last went in for a cleaning, then you are likely long overdue.
You don’t want to realize you need dental help when cavities have already formed, and it is too late for preventative actions. Not only will your bill be higher but also you’ll be dealing with a more painful experience overall.
Save yourself toothaches and a hefty dental bill by scheduling regular cleanings.
Your yearly flu shot.
Getting the flu can lead to secondary complications such as bronchitis, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Those who are at high risk of these infections include the very old and the very young. But don’t think that rules you out from needing a flu shot.
According to Healthline.com, everyone benefits from the vaccine during flu season. That includes the parents, as well as the children.
Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding both are able to get vaccinated without harming their child. In fact, not getting the shot could prove more harmful to you and your child in the long run.
Make it easy on yourself and sign up for the flu vaccine at the same time as your kids line up for their shots.
Figure out your bloodwork.
Have you been concerned about high blood pressure, but because you do not know what your baseline is, you can’t tell if you should be worried or not? Issues such as Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other metrics are a way to provide your doctor and you insight into your health.
If you cannot remember the last time you had a complete bloodwork testing session, do it now. Blood tests can help doctors alert you to possible diseases and conditions.
Once you are aware of what you are at high risk of, you will be able to take steps and measures to prevent that illness or disease from escalating.
Screen for women’s issues.
Cervical cancer is screened through tests called Pap smears or HPV tests. Healthfinder.gov recommends a Pap test every 3 years if you are between the ages of 21 to 29. If you are between the ages of 30 to 65, you should go in for a Pap and HPV test every 5 years. Or every 3 years if you decide to use just a Pap test.
However, doctors also recommend that some individuals who are considered high risk get tested more often. Additionally, after a certain age, your risk of cervical cancer decreases, and you no longer need to go in for regular screening. Discuss with your doctor to find out when that would be for you.
The second most common cancer that women might get in their lifetime is breast cancer. This cancer is treatable if found in the early stages.
Between the ages of 40 to 49, women should begin getting mammograms. Mammograms are an X ray picture taken of your breasts, used by doctors to detect early stages of breast cancer in women. Talk with your doctor regarding how often you should be betting a mammogram. Your doctor will look at aspects of your family medical history, as well as your personal medical history. After the age of 50, women should get tested every 2 years. However, your doctor may decide you need to get tested more often.
