Written by:
Janet Hosey

When babies and kids are growing, taking them to the pediatrician for annual checkups is kind of a no-brainer.

Physicians can ensure children are healthy as they grow, provide the vaccinations they need and help worried parents care for them when they’re sick.

When we reach adulthood, however, we often let the annual visits slide. If nothing hurts, why go to the doctor?

Because adult bodies also change as they age. And while you may not have as many childhood injuries or illnesses, the risk for certain diseases and medical conditions often rises with age.

An annual check-in with a physician, including recommended health screenings, can help you stay strong and healthy through every stage of life.

Consider these five reasons why you should have your own doctor:

  1. Familiarity. Your primary care doctor can be a familiar home base who is aware of your health history and can monitor your health changes over time. It’s also easier to see a doctor who’s familiar with you and your preferences than a stranger when you’re feeling ill.
  2. Catch health concerns early. Because your doctor would see you over time, he or she can better help you manage chronic disease, find the best specialists, and, with regular checkups and screenings, catch health issues early.
  3. Better communication. You’ll feel more comfortable opening up about symptoms and concerns, and your primary care doctor will be better able to give you personalized information.
  4. Better information. Because Googling your symptoms won’t give you great medical advice. You can get personalized answers to non-emergency questions during your appointment (Do I need to take vitamins? Is this supplement safe? Does this diet work? How do I avoid sexually transmitted diseases?) and solid advice to help keep you healthy.
  5. Save your health — and money. Seeing a doctor on a regular basis helps you avoid catastrophic health events that could land you in the hospital or even surgery. Not only do regular visits keep you healthier, they could save you from expensive medical bills down the road.

If you don’t have a primary care physician, finding a doctor you feel good about could take some time. Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also search the Endeavor Health Find-A-Doctor database, which includes hundreds of doctor profiles, some with videos, to help you decide.

There are two types of primary care physicians to consider:

  • Family medicine. When you need to arrange care for you and your family, a family medicine physician can be a convenient choice. Family medicine doctors are board-certified and have specific knowledge of the body at any age, from newborns to seniors. Family medicine doctors can also treat a wide variety of conditions, including ailments for which you would normally see a specialist. As you browse family medicine doctors, consider each doctor’s areas of focus to make the best match for your whole family.
  • Internal medicine. When you need a primary care physician for yourself, you may choose a family medicine doctor or an internal medicine physician. While family medicine doctors can treat patients of any age or life stage, internal medicine doctors specialize in the care of adults typically 18 years and older. Some internists specialize in certain diseases, parts of the body or life stage, like diabetes management, sports medicine and elderly care. Consider your health history, family history and known risk factors as you choose the internal medicine doctor who is right for you.

Don’t take your health for granted! Keep that healthy, youthful feeling as long as possible with regular checkups with your primary care doctor.

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