The start of a new year usually ushers in motivation for change – be it a change in spending, a change in eating, a change in scenery. Let’s be honest though, making lasting lifestyle changes takes serious commitment. I’ll go a step further and ask you how long does it usually take before you throw in the towel? I want you to know reaching your health goals doesn’t have to be that way.
You don’t have to go to excessive lengths to be healthy. I tell my patients, the key to long-term success is forming and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Not sure where to start?
Annual physical exams are essential to your ongoing health. I believe physical exams are one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they get worse. Plus, these visits can help you track your progress toward your individual health goals for the New Year.
A visit to the primary care physicians’ office can provide an all-access pass to our overall health. It could start with screenings for high blood pressure, or cholesterol, or testing your glucose levels. These tests can identify underlying conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. Did you know it is the leading cause of death for both men and women? Do your heart a favor and schedule a physical exam. Make it a New Year’s tradition you practice each year, in place of a resolution.
If the New Year brings a new adventure such as traveling abroad, you will need to be up to date on all of your vaccines. A visit to the primary care physicians’ office for a physical can take care of that and have you one your way in no time.
Perhaps, you want to kick the habit in 2019. The CDC reports cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S., including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. This is about 1,300 deaths due to smoking every day. We offer tobacco cessation to help you achieve your goal of becoming smoke-free in the New Year. After all, good health is the best gift you can give yourself and your family. Ignoring your body’s health could spell trouble.
If you do not have a primary care team, contact Accordia Health. We would love to take care of you. Give us a call at (251) 824-8320. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ashlen Aggen, M.D., is a family medicine physician and a graduate of the University of South Alabama – College of Medicine. During her residency, Aggen showed leadership initiative spearheading the introduction of the Patient Advisory Board on Clinic Policy and Reach Out and Read; programs aimed at providing the best care and opportunities for patients. She was also chosen as the Chief Resident and received the Program Director’s Award; an award given to the graduating resident who exhibits qualities of exemplary patient care demonstrates leadership, displays a commitment to the community.
