1. The most wonderful time of year … to see your physician. While you’re busy wrapping presents and marking off your to-do list, do not forget to schedule your end-of-the-year appointments. As the year draws to a close, many people meet their insurance deductible and can save money on physician visits. “Everyone should see a primary care physician at least once a year,” says Dr. Anderson. “They can screen for medical issues by taking vital signs, performing a physical exam, and running basic labs.”
EVERYONE SHOULD SEE A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. THEY CAN SCREEN FOR MEDICAL ISSUES BY TAKING VITAL SIGNS, PERFORMING A PHYSICAL EXAM, AND RUNNING BASIC LABS.
In addition to a primary care visit, Dr. Anderson advises those who are active outside to see a dermatologist for an annual
MAKING A LIST
and Checking it Twice HEALTHY PRACTICES TO PREPARE FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH MATT ANDERSON, M.D. By Lyndsay Sullivan PHOTOS COURTESY BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE OF TENNESSEE
A
mid all the holiday chaos, gatherings, food, and family time, it is easy to neglect your health. However, Dr. Matt Anderson, sports medicine
surgeon at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, stresses the importance of taking time for yourself before the new year. “It’s so important to tackle health concerns as soon as they arise,” says Dr. Anderson. “This allows you to enter the new year with a good mindset instead of being stressed about lingering health issues.”
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skin check, and for those who have prior vision issues to visit an optometrist. Women should see a gynecologist once a year and those over 40 should get a mammogram, while men over 50 should consider being screened for prostate cancer. Dr. Anderson also suggests that women over 65 or anyone who has experienced fragility fractures, schedule a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis. “Give yourself time to get in to see your doctors,” says Dr. Anderson. “During the holidays, appointments can book up quickly.” 2. Create attainable resolutions you’ll actually stick to! This time of year can be perfect for a reset – a great time to break a bad habit or start a new one, but resolutions can be hard to maintain. “Choose two or three practices that can fit your lifestyle and that you can incorporate into your daily routine so that they become habits,” says Dr. Anderson. Even something as simple as adding an SPF moisturizer to your morning routine, packing a salad for lunch twice a week, or taking the stairs at work can make a huge difference in your health. “Try to set realistic achievable goals,” says Dr. Anderson. “Take small steps to improve your wellbeing.”
