Have You Had a Wellness Visit Lately?

If the pandemic or other priorities have gotten in the way of your annual health screenings or checkup with your primary care provider, now would be a great time to get back on track. Many people don’t realize that wellness visits are important for health at every stage of life—infants, children, teens and young adults need them just as much as mature adults.

What is a Wellness Visit?

This is an annual checkup with your primary care doctor. During the checkup, you will discuss:

• Your health history.
• Any health concerns and/or ailments you’re currently experiencing, like migraines, fatigue or joint pain.
• Any health concerns you may be at risk for developing, like heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, and what you can do to prevent them.

A wellness visit is more than a simple annual physical. It is an opportunity to maintain a baseline for your health. This allows your provider to notice any changes in your health, learn more about your lifestyle and what is important to you, and advise you on staying proactive about your long-term health and longevity. For example, if living independently as you begin to age is a priority, you can discuss what actions to take to make this happen.

Why Should I Keep Up With My Annual Wellness Visit?

While there are many benefits to seeing your provider when you are ill, here are four reasons you should also schedule a wellness exam every year.

• Stay on top of your overall health: Your health is dependent on many factors, including family history, age, lifestyle, environment and risk factors. A lot can happen in a year, and your primary care provider can help you find ways to feel better and live an overall healthier lifestyle. Due to the pandemic, many people have ignored minor health concerns over the past few years, including mood changes, anxiety, depression, weight gain and other unexpected ailments.
• Prevent and detect diseases: Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies and blood work can often catch life threatening diseases in the early stages when they are easier to treat. Your provider will discuss which screenings are important for you.
• Manage current health concerns and chronic conditions: If you are struggling with any aspect of your health, your provider is here help. They will partner with you to create a plan of care to help manage or resolve the issue. For people with a chronic disease, continued medical supervision and check-ins is crucial.
• Set and achieve health goals: Your primary care provider is your lifelong health partner and can help you do the things in life that matter most to you. During the wellness visit, you can discuss diet, exercise, substance use and other lifestyle factors that are impacting your overall health. With knowledge of your personal and family’s health history, your provider will discuss ways to help you achieve your personal health goals.

Take the First Step to Living a Healthier Life

Is it time for your annual wellness visit? Schedule your appointment today using your Bronson MyChart account. Don't have a primary care doctor? We can help you choose the right one for you or your family based on insurance, location, medical needs and personal preferences. Appointments are available online or in person. To choose a primary care doctor, schedule your first appointment online or call a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788.

Take the next step and be proactive with your health. Consider making an appointment for:

• Youth sports physical
• Mammogram Screening
• Colon cancer screening