It pays to focus on your physical and mental health. Not only does it save you money over the course of a lifetime to pay attention to your health, but it can buy you years on your lifespan, too. From the ability to catch serious conditions or illnesses like cancer early on to the ability to improve your overall quality of life, paying attention to health and getting regular check-ups can pay off in big ways. If you’re not sure why it’s important to pay attention to your health or are often tempted to skip those regular doctor visits, read on.
Catching Serious Conditions Early
Whether people like to talk about it or not, the number one reason to pay attention to your physical health is to catch serious illnesses early on. Research shows that serious conditions, specifically cancers, that are caught early are easier to treat. Oncologists have a much better chance of helping people in the early stages of disease than they do if cancer care doesn’t begin until there are major symptoms. The reality is that medical oncology has come a long way in recent years. Thanks to successful clinical trials, there are more treatments than ever for cancer patients that extend even beyond traditional chemotherapy and radiation. When caught early, people with cancer have much better chances of survival and no evidence of disease if treated right away.
If you have a cancer diagnosis or could be facing one, a simple Google search for ‘oncology near me‘ is a great place to start if waiting for test results or looking for cancer treatment options and convenient locations for cancer care. There, you can find exceptional care for any type of cancer.
The best way to catch a serious disease early is to get regular check-ups at the appropriate ages. For adults in the United States, the recommendation is mammograms after forty for women and prostate exams for men after fifty. These screenings, though, should be carried out in addition to regular annual exams. Making and keeping these appointments is one of the best ways to avoid finding a serious illness when it’s too late for effective treatment.
Managing Mental Health
If you’re like most adults or even a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in daily responsibilities and helping other people rather than helping yourself. Maybe you’ve spent a week looking up things like 5 tips for helping your troubled teenager or how to help a co-worker with a rough diagnosis. Perhaps you’ve neglected yourself and haven’t had enough sleep or ignored signs of issues with your own mental wellness.
The truth is that we all go through difficult times. The average adult suffers from clinical depression or significant symptoms at least once in their lifetime. By denying our own mental health needs, we put ourselves at risk of things like depression escalating and a diminished quality of life. When our mental health gets bad enough, we can even neglect things like those important doctor’s appointments. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you get daily exercise, engage in self-care, and get the rest and nutrition you need to give yourself the tools you need to stay mentally healthy. If you’re struggling, reach out to a licensed therapist for counseling.
Overall Wellness and Quality of Life
Focusing on your mental and physical wellness will open you up to higher energy levels and the ability to live your life to the fullest. For as difficult as positive change can be, once you’re in the habit of making better choices around your health, your mind and body will thank you for it with clear thinking, physical strength, and even a longer lifespan.
At the end of the day, you’re your own wellness advocate. Whether you have mental health issues, a blood disorder, or just need a regular appointment for a yearly exam, taking time out to focus on your health now will pay off in the future.
