Keeping that “Check Engine Light” Off

It’s a New Year with all the right intentions of eating healthier, exercising more, less sweets, less alcohol, better sleep, etc., and all are admirable goals to keep at the forefront.

All these factors help to keep the “engine light” in check, as do regularly scheduled exams with specialists and — of course — an annual physical with your primary care physician who acts as the gatekeeper. In many parts of the country, getting an appointment with a specialist can take weeks if not months. Routine cardiology, dermatology and eye appointments are examples that frequently are booked solid and can take months to get an appointment. Fortunately, the Visiting Specialist Program at the Medical Center provides patients expedited access. However, once you return up north, make allowances for the length of time it may take to get an appointment. A well-placed phone call a couple of months in advance may save you time and aggravation.

At a minimum, see your primary care physician once a year. From there you’ll receive recommendations on next steps for health concerns and what specialists to see. Individuals who are mostly healthy and are feeling great may not feel it’s necessary; however, seeing your primary care provider, even if you feel great, is so important in staying healthy. For example, a yearly blood test can detect abnormalities you may not even be feeling. A yearly eye exam is also important to detect diseases that can’t be felt such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Calendar reminders: The Medical Center Lecture Series begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Cultural Center Theatre, with a presentation by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and is sponsored by Healthnetwork. We hope to see you there!