Home > Media Center > Patient Newsletter > Spring 2011 - Buffalo > Don't Wait Until You're Sick to See a Doctor

Don't Wait Until You're Sick to See a Doctor

When you feel good, you might not think about going to the doctor, but an annual health review or well child check up is an important part of keeping you healthy. Regular preventive exams give you a chance to talk to your doctor about any ongoing concerns, and update important health screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol.

Here are some tips from our health professionals about annual health reviews:

• Schedule a check up around the time of your birthday to help you remember to come in.
• For kids, bring any school and/or camp forms that need to be completed by your doctor to avoid a second trip.
• Bring a list of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications that you currently take, how often you take them and why. Prepare any questions or concerns you want to talk about in your visit, and information about specialists you have may have seen in the past year.
• Show up 15 minutes early to your appointment to check in and make the most of the appointment time.

If you haven’t been in for a health review in the past year, call your doctor’s office for an appointment! Phone numbers and more info about the Lifetime Health practices are listed here.