When it comes to taking care of your health, there is nothing better than having a doctor who knows your family’s medical history. They know what health problems your parents, grandparents, siblings, or even aunts and uncles have had, and that can tell them a lot about your own health.
Below, our family healthcare specialists in Cedar Lake, Indiana are going to explain how this kind of personal connection can make your care more effective.
What makes your family history valuable?
When you share your family health history with your doctor, they can see the full picture of your health. Instead of only looking at your current health, they can more accurately predict your future health based on your background.
For example, if someone in your immediate family has had cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, your chances of getting it could be higher too. Suppose your mother or sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. In that case, your doctor might recommend that you talk to a clinical geneticist or get tested sooner. Likewise, if several people in your family have had heart disease, your doctor might recommend early heart screenings.
You can’t change your genes, but when you know the health conditions you are at risk for, you can do something about them. Based on your risk factors, your family healthcare specialist in Cedar Lake, Indiana can help you start making changes, like eating better, exercising more, or getting important tests earlier than usual. Their recommendations can make your future much healthier.
Why is it good to keep seeing the same doctor?
When you keep going to the same doctor, you form a relationship with them over time. They start to learn about your personal habits, how your body reacts to stress or illness, and what is “normal” for you.
This continuity of care builds trust between you and your doctor, which is important when making decisions about your healthcare. It also makes it easier for your doctor to see changes that will otherwise be easy to miss, like a slow change in your weight or even your mood. And because they have seen you grow and change, your doctor will be able to give you more useful advice and make more accurate diagnoses.
If everyone in your family sees the same doctor, they can also notice health patterns across everyone. For example, if both you and your parents have had similar symptoms or health conditions, your doctor can connect the dots and start looking into things sooner. And because you already feel comfortable with your doctor, it is easier to speak up and ask questions when something does not feel right.
Doctors help stop problems before they start.
When your doctor already knows your family history, they don’t wait for you to get sick. They try to stop problems before they even happen.
For example, if diabetes runs in your family, your family healthcare specialist in Cedar Lake, Indiana might want to check your blood sugar earlier and more regularly. Or if one of your parents had colon cancer, they might ask you to start screening for it earlier than the usual age, because your risk is higher than average.
One doctor for the whole family.
Most families are busy, and trying to keep track of different doctors and appointments can get confusing. Having one doctor who cares for everyone in the household makes things easier to manage. You can schedule visits more easily, talk openly, and feel more confident that everyone’s care is working together.
Family doctors are trained to treat people at every stage of life and with all kinds of health concerns. They can give each person in your family the care they need, while also paying attention to how everyone’s health connects across the family.
Looking for an Affordable Family Healthcare Specialist in Cedar Lake, Indiana?
If you are looking for an affordable family healthcare provider in Cedar Lake, Indiana, 219 Health Network is the place to visit. Our family doctors take the time to get to know you and your health history, so your care feels personal and supportive. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.