Stop putting off these five health care appointments

By Press release submission

Jul 22, 2021

Hancock County Health System ssued the following announcement.

Life gets busy with all you manage. So, it can be easy to miss an annual physical or push off going into your provider because you’re “pretty sure it’s just a cold.” But those visits are crucial to keep up with your health. Here are five health care appointments you shouldn’t miss.

ANNUAL PHYSICALS AND WELL-CHILD VISITS

Regular checkups are essential to monitoring the development and growth of your kids and keeping track of your own health!

Here’s what you can expect at a well-child visit:

Physical exam
Immunizations and vaccinations
Track development, behavior and growth
Overall health screening
Talk about any concerns you or your child have

Well-child visits are especially important to keep your child on track with their vaccinations. HPV, measles, mumps, chickenpox etc. are all important immunizations to help keep your child healthy.

It’s also important for YOU to take time and check in with your provider. Adult wellness visits across all ages ensure personalized care that keep you living your healthiest life. At your wellness visit your provider will:

Review your overall physical, social and emotional health
Ensure you are up to date on vaccines
Address any concerns you have with your health

Find a provider for you and your family.

CANCER SCREENINGS

Delaying cancer screenings, like a mammogram or colonoscopy, could have a serious impact on your health.

Screenings are incredibly important, and if a patient delays their screening, they could potentially miss receiving a cancer diagnosis and we know that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcomes.

Make sure you’re up to date on these important cancer screenings:

WOMEN

Colonoscopy, beginning at age 45
Mammograms, beginning at age 40
Pap smear

MEN

Colonoscopy, beginning at age 45
Prostate screening, beginning at age 50

To schedule your colonoscopy, call HCHS Surgical Services: 641-843-5123

To schedule your mammogram, call HCHS Radiology Department: 641-843-5190

To find a Primary Care Provider in Britt, Garner, Kanawha or Wesley, call HCHS Clinics: 641-843-5050

CHRONIC DISEASE FOLLOW-UPS

According to the CDC, 6 in 10 US adults have a chronic disease with 4 in 10 having two or more. Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and others are best managed with a personalized plan with your provider and specialists. Missing follow-up appointments could have a dangerous effect on your health management if changes go unnoticed and untreated.

MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Postponing therapy or an appointments can lead down a slippery slope of ignoring behavioral and mental health. In fact, 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness each year. At HCHS, our experts are available for in-person appointments as well as telehealth appointments. Call HCHS Clinics at 641-843-5050 for more information.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, here are some 24/7 confidential help lines that are available: