New Year, New Directions

It's the New Year, and 2015 has started out in such a rush. Many people are beckoning the new year with superstitions, "google advice" and basically anything they can to help them toward a better year.

Why not a healthier one?

So often, we strive for a bigger house, a fancier car, a bigger paycheck, but when was the last time we decided to examine ourselves, or seek expert opinion about our physical bodies or even our mental health?

So why do a health screen? A lot of people lived healthily till they are old and gray, and they didn't do any of these things.

Even when you feel fine, a medical check up can help you avoid health problems in the future. It helps to:

• Screen for medical issues
• Assess your risk of future medical problems
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations
• Help you get to know your provider in case of an illness

Most people have heard about blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. They are such notorious conditions especially in our community and sadly many people only get diagnosed when they have some organ damage. 

Why wait until something bad happens? Get it checked so before it reaches a dangerous state, you can take charge and nip it in the bud.

Another aspect which we take for granted, is our vision. One of the most well used sense, we often forget to look after our eyes, and it gives way to strain and stress. Some of us already have such problems, but these problems are not static. Over time, further damage requires individualized care, and more often than not, we fail to realize until it is too late.

Remember i mentioned mental health? At any age, we face stressors in life which can contribute to mental dysfunction. Depression, alcohol and tobacco and substance abuse, and even things like diet and exercise could be addressed by the General Physician. 

Also as your family physician gathers from your family history or other information gathered, you may require other screenings as well.

For the ladies!

Remember Breast examinations, Pap smear, vaccinations are all important to maintain up to date. Check with your local GP today! Also check with them on your skin, for any lesions or discolouration.

Men:

Men, it would be always wise to get your testes and external genitalia checked by a family physician. Should there be a need, infectious disease screening are recommended routinely.

So new year, new resolutions.

Make this year count!