EIGHT WAYS TO HELP YOUR HEALTH BLOOM

Ways to Help Your Health Bloom

Spring is in the air, signaling a season of warmer weather, longer days and new beginnings. We think of spring as a time full of promise and hope. A chance to refresh our minds, strengthen our bodies and nurture our spirits. An opportunity to renew our commitment to our whole health and well-being. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping regular appointments with your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP looks after every aspect of your health and helps you feel your best all season long. Here are eight tips to help you get the most out of the coming spring.

1. Start the season off right with a wellness exam.

As your regular physician, your PCP knows you better than any other provider and is familiar with your baseline health measurements. That means they can quickly determine when something isn’t right. They specialize in getting you the right treatments at the right time based on your personal health goals, medical history and preferences. As we welcome the blossoming flowers of spring, schedule a wellness visit with your PCP and make sure your health is ready to bloom.

2. Refresh your mindset.

Just as you deep clean your home every spring, you can also use this time to declutter your mind. Your PCP can help you focus on ways to improve your outlook, nourish your psychological needs, and eliminate stress and anxiety.

We all know that exercise is the key to good health. Get moving for at least 30 minutes per day. Your PCP can help put together an exercise routine that’s tailored to your specific needs. You won’t believe how much better you’ll feel.

4. Savor the healthy foods of spring.

As temperatures rise, seasonal spring produce begins to fill the grocery store shelves. Add fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet such as asparagus, strawberries, radishes, artichokes and leeks. Ask your doctor for diet recommendations based upon the results of your physical.

5. Quench your thirst for life.

Spring can sometimes feel like summertime under the Florida sun. Staying properly hydrated is the key to good physical and mental health. Your physican will tell you that most people do not drink enough water. Challenge yourself to drink 64 ounces of water a day for a week and see how you feel.

6. Take a spring break.

Everyone is eager to get out and have fun this time of year. But, don’t forget to balance that energy with a proper sleep schedule. Most people should get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. If you still wake up tired, you might have a treatable sleep disorder. Alert your PCP and get the care you need to protect your health.

7. Be safe in the springtime sunshine.

As the weather warms, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. But, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin cells. Ask your physician about your risk for skin cancer and when to get a skin cancer exam. And, make it a practice to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re going to be out all day under the sun.

8. Keep allergies at bay.

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies, and springtime is the prime season for tree pollen and a host of other allergens in Florida. Allergies can make your life miserable. Your PCP can schedule a comprehensive test to determine what you are allergic to and how best to manage your symptoms.

A Quick Guide to Wellness Exams

Your primary care physician or advanced practice provider can ensure you are on track with preventive health screenings and vaccines that are important at your current stage of life.*

20’s

• Blood pressure • Skin cancer • Mental health • Pap smear

30’s

• Body mass index (BMI) • Cholesterol • Immunizations • Full metabolic panel

40’s

• Heart health • Cholesterol • Mammogram • Colorectal screening

50’s

• Cognitive assessment • Joint/bone density • Shingles vaccine • Vision exam

60+

• Colorectal and prostate cancer screening • Cholesterol • Bone mineral density (BMD) • Hearing test

* This is not intended to be a complete list. Ask your physician about other important health screenings and vaccines that you should have, and when.

Prioritize your health all season long.

If you don’t have a primary care physician you visit regularly, you aren’t getting the health screenings you need to avoid potentially serious illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems or cancer. Your PCP is your source for preventive medical care, and ensures the consistent, coordinated care you deserve. And in most cases, your out-of-pocket cost per visit is much lower than for a trip to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.

To book annual wellness visits for you and your family, call 407-401-7297 or visit CentralFloridaPrimaryCare.com.

Springtime is the right time to refresh your body, mind and spirit.

Visit your primary care provider to keep your whole health on track.

Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to prioritize your health by scheduling your yearly wellness exams with your primary care provider (PCP). For those who do not already have a PCP, choosing one is the best way to ensure your long-term health and well-being. Your PCP will treat and build a caring relationship with every member of your family. Their main goal is to manage your overall health care through regular checkups, preventative screenings and referrals to medical specialists when needed. A PCP is always there to help you make the right decisions about treatment and care.

Whole-Person Care

PCPs train in almost all areas of medicine. They can treat acute health problems like sinus infections and perform minor procedures such as draining an abscess. They treat you and your family during all stages of life and not only care for your physical well-being, but your emotional health as well.

The Health History Advantage

Because you see your PCP regularly, they get to know your health history. With this information, along with your relatives’ health history, they can screen for symptoms of serious diseases, which can help catch life-threatening conditions while they are still treatable.

Routine Screenings That Can Save Your Life

Simple, regular screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, breast cancer and colon cancer can help catch medical issues before they develop into serious problems. Over time, your PCP updates your records and learns about your health habits, history, personality and lifestyle — making it easier to spot changes in your health.

The Power of Education and Prevention

A proactive PCP will educate you on how to prevent illnesses and diseases. They can tailor helpful information that fits your unique needs and goals.

Your Point Person for Specialty Care

Your PCP can refer you to specialists if you need them such as cardiologists or orthopedists. Because your doctor knows you well, they can match you to someone who fits your needs and personality. They coordinate your care, guide you through next steps and stay in constant contact with the specialist.

Personalized Chronic Health Management

When you’re dealing with a chronic health problem like diabetes or arthritis, it helps to have a PCP by your side. Your PCP specializes in helping you monitor an ongoing health condition, so you can better manage your chronic disease. Because of routine tests and regular visits, they know how to help you stay focused on self-care.

A PCP for All Seasons

Begin your journey to whole-person health by scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider at

CentralFloridaPrimaryCare.com

or call 407-401-7297.