Routine wellness checks are a great way to catch health problems early.

Next time you see your health care provider, ask about a wellness check up.

These visits are important because they are a chance to screen for things like Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These health problems are very common and can be fatal if caught too late.

There are two types of Diabetes. One you are born with (type 1) and the other (type 2) happens when your body does not use sugar very well. You are at risk of becoming a Type 2 diabetic if you are overweight and eat a diet with too much sugar. Both types of Diabetes increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Diabetes is also known for causing blindness.

There are sometimes changes in your body that might mean you have high blood sugar. These include feeling thirsty and hungry all the time, or need to urinate more than usual. People do not always have signs of high sugar, that is why it is so important to have regular screenings at your wellness check ups.

Research shows that you can prevent type 2 diabetes with changes to your daily routine.

Changes include staying active with daily exercise of 30 minutes or more per day and eating a balanced diet with low sugar intake. Keeping your weight in a healthy range will also help prevent type 2 diabetes from setting in.

Research also shows that those with diabetes are at an increased risk of having high blood pressure.

High blood pressure has been called the “silent killer,” and for good reason. For most people, high blood pressure goes under the radar until serious health problems develop. High blood pressure can cause some of the same irreversible damage that diabetes does.

Some symptoms that may mean you have high blood pressure include: pounding headaches, severe back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain.

If you or a loved one never goes to the doctor, it is important to remember that just because you feel okay, it does not mean your blood pressure is. Having your blood pressure checked at a routine wellness visit is yet another way to help prevent your health from going south.

High cholesterol is even harder to detect without screenings.

High cholesterol can develop with a diet high in greasy and fatty foods. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of high cholesterol.

We pride ourselves in providing the care you need to help prevent these problems. Come by for your wellness check today for a healthy you tomorrow.

– Thomas Hudson, NP-C