Are You Overdue for a Health Check Up?
When you purchase a new automobile, you’re given an owner’s manual with a specific maintenance schedule to be followed. This manufacturer suggested, mileage-dictated timetable is in your vehicle’s best interest—and in your best interest as its owner/operator. This is because the manufacturer knows the vehicle will undergo a predictable amount of wear and tear throughout its course of ownership which will require periodic automotive TLC.
Similarly, your “personal vehicle”—your body—requires some “mileage-dictated” attention.
As part of my routine questioning during an initial examination, I always ask my patients when their last medical checkup was. Half the time there is ceiling staring, lip twisting, and bewildered head shaking as my new patient struggles to recall his or her last trip to their doctor (which was not predicated by an illness).
As a younger adult, staying on top of your “scheduled maintenance” was much easier—two doctors, your primary care physician, once a year, and your dentist, twice a year. But as you age you must add a number of specialists to the mix: OB-GYN (ladies), urologist (men), ophthalmologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, etc. This is when we begin to let our maintenance schedule slip, simply because it’s difficult to keep track of all those appointments amidst our busy lives!
Well, I have a helpful method I use to keep track of all my medical checkups which I’d like to share with you as you are poised at the top of this new year. All you need to get started is an index card, a calendar, and your phone book (if you’re old school) or use the notes app and the calendar app on your phone and do a few quick Google searches (if you’re using modern technology, hehe).
Here is what it looks like when completed:
| SPECIALIST | NAME | PHONE | DATE LAST SEEN |
| Primary | Dr. B. Well | (XXX-XXX-XXXX) | 3-15-16 |
| OB-GYN | Dr. Infante | (XXX-XXX-XXXX) | 1-24-17 |
| Dentist | Dr. Molar | (XXX-XXX-XXXX) | 10-28-16 |
| Ophthalmologist | Dr. I. C. Yu | (XXX-XXX-XXXX) | 7-15-16 |
| Cardiologist | Dr. Hartman | (XXX-XXX-XXXX) | 11-15-15 |
Enter the permanent information in ink, but enter the “Date Last Seen” info in pencil. Tape it inside your most used kitchen cabinet door for visibility throughout the year and update it regularly. If you can’t find the date of your last visit, call the doctor’s office. They will be able to retrieve that info quickly and you can schedule your next appointment right then and there!
