Getting older comes with its fair share of new challenges. You might notice that your energy drains faster than it used to, or that your joints are starting to really hurt after doing the simplest of household chores.
It can feel like you are spending more time at the doctor’s office than you ever expected. But growing older does not equate to losing your independence or your quality of life. In fact, with the right kind of preventative care, you can still feel good and stay active as the years go by. Below, our family medicine specialists in Highland, Indiana are going to explain what that care looks like.
Preventive care is more than just your yearly checkup.
Many people think that preventive care is just an annual doctor’s appointment. And while that visit is a part of it, it is not everything.
When seniors visit a qualified family medicine specialist in Highland, Indiana, they are not just getting their blood pressure and weight checked. They are having conversations about their memory, sleep, diet, medications, and even their mental state.
What makes this visit so effective is that it can detect small changes in health early. Many times, people visit their doctor “just to be safe” and end up catching something early when treatment is likely to work best. That is the whole point.
Being proactive about your health helps you avoid big setbacks.
Most older adults would rather not talk about their bone and vision health. But health problems don’t wait for you to be ready. If you are not paying attention, they can surprise you and create trouble. A good family medicine doctor knows how to bring up these topics without making you feel overwhelmed.
Take falls, for example. One small slip in the kitchen might not seem like much, but for someone older, that single fall can mean months of healing and other complications. In fact, falls among older adults lead to nearly 300,000 hip fracture-related hospitalizations every year. That is why part of your preventive care might include gentle exercises or balance programs to help you maintain or improve your mobility.
And speaking of your physical health, you should not ignore your mental health either. If you have been having trouble sleeping or you are feeling more depressed than usual, those things are worth talking about with your doctor. Your mental health issues are part of your overall health, and they affect how you feel day to day. Preventive visits are the right time for those conversations.
The best care is built around your needs.
There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Some people are trying to manage a chronic condition, while others are adjusting to life with a new diagnosis. Therefore, you should have a doctor who listens to your needs and preferences.
A qualified family medicine specialist in Highland, Indiana will take the time to understand where you are now and where you want to go. For some, that means dietary guidance. For others, it might be medication management. The point is to make sure your care truly fits you.
Either way, the goal is always to help you gain control of your symptoms and live your daily life as a healthy senior.
The more your doctor knows you, the better they can help.
The best preventive care is when it is part of an ongoing relationship between you and your doctor. Over time, as your doctor gets to know you better, they can see changes in your health more easily and help you make more informed choices.
That kind of relationship is very powerful. It gives you someone to call when you are not sure about a new symptom and someone who knows you well enough to give you the best possible advice.
Looking for an Affordable Family Medicine Specialist in Highland, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified family medicine specialist in Highland, Indiana who can help you feel your best as you age? If so, you’ve come to the right place — our physicians at 219 Health Network are here to help. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.