By Jacqueline Jordan, MD, MPH

An annual visit with your primary care physician (PCP) is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. While older adults often see their PCP annually or more frequently due to chronic conditions, medication management and preventive screenings, individuals of all ages should prioritize their annual wellness visit to stay healthy.

Preventive Care. Early detection of health care issues is important. Regular check-ups can help identify any potential health problems before they become serious.

Screenings and Tests. Your PCP can recommend age-appropriate screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis to monitor your health. Age-appropriate health screenings help detect potential health issues early, often before symptoms develop. Your PCP will also discuss the need for specific vaccines, including flu, COVID, shingles, pneumonia, and RSV. Your PCP will advise you as to recommended screenings based on your specific health needs and risks.

Managing Chronic Conditions. Chronic health conditions are long-term medical issues that persist for an extended period, and often require medical care and lifestyle adjustments. While some chronic conditions can be managed effectively, they are rarely fully cured. Such conditions include hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, cancer, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, and chronic infectious diseases. Effective management of chronic health conditions can improve quality of life and prevent the development of other health problems.

Establishing a Health Baseline. Annual visits allow your doctor to track changes in your health over time, making it easier to identify unusual trends or developments.

Personalized Health Advice. You and your PCP will discuss lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management to optimize your health. This allows your PCP to provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Building a Relationship with Your Doctor. Establishing trust with your PCP ensures better communication and comfort discussing sensitive health issues. A long-term relationship allows the doctor to understand your medical history and provide more personalized care.

Updating Medical Records. Your PCP will ensure that your medical records are current, including medications, allergies, and family history, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness. Preventive care and early detection of conditions can reduce the need for costly treatments or hospitalizations later.

Mental Health Check. Annual visits often include mental health screenings, which are crucial for addressing issues like anxiety, depression, or stress.

Scheduling an annual visit can be a proactive step in taking charge of your health and preventing complications down the road.

Jacqueline Jordan, MD, MPH is a primary care and internal medicine specialist at Buffalo Medical Group. To make an appointment with a primary care physician convenient to where you live, visit https://www.buffalomedicalgroup.com/our-doctors, or call 716-656-4471. Also, see the back cover for an overview of all medical specialties available at Buffalo Medical Group to accommodate your health care needs.