Chuck Osuagwu, MD, and the team at Centerville Medical Center take great pride in enhancing and preserving your health and wellness. Many of the residents of Garland, Texas, rely on us for science-backed, up-to-date information and guidance that can be applied to everyday life.
The importance of annual wellness visits cannot be overstated. These appointments are highly personalized and shaped according to your specific needs at this exact point in your lifespan. As you move through the phases of life, the areas of focus during your wellness exams will shift. Taking advantage of these visits can deliver an impressive range of benefits. And taking some time to prepare helps you make the most of the experience.
Here are five questions to ask during your next wellness visit.
Though you receive most of the vaccines you’ll need during childhood, you should pay close attention to your immunization records even as an adult. For one thing, many adults have “gaps” in their childhood vaccines that could place them at risk of contracting a serious disease.
There are also specific vaccines that you need later in life. The shingles vaccine is a great example. If you’ve ever had chicken pox, you have a risk of developing shingles later in life. It’s an incredibly painful condition that can be avoided with a simple vaccine.
There are also annual vaccines that can help keep you safe. The flu shot is a good example, and the COVID-19 vaccination is another. Ask Dr. Osuagwu to review your records to be sure you’re fully protected.
Many people take medication to manage various health issues, and those prescriptions can add up over time. It also isn’t uncommon for you to have different drugs prescribed by different practitioners.
A professional medication review happens when one provider looks at your complete drug therapy routine as well as your current health to determine if your medications are working as intended.
You might need to alter your dosage or even try a new medication. In some cases, you could even stop taking certain medications if your health has improved.
The more information you have about your family health history, the easier it can be to assess your risk level for certain chronic health issues. It’s well worth the time and effort to ask your loved ones about their own health journeys.
If your close family members have experienced serious health problems, let Dr. Osuagwu know. He can advise you of any special screenings from which you may benefit and let you know how to avoid the health issues your loved ones faced.
Chronic diseases are those that last for one year or longer, significantly affect your day-to-day life, and require professional medical management. Examples include heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.
Having one or more chronic diseases places you at an increased risk of many health problems, including early death. The good news is that you can take action to reduce your risk of developing chronic health issues.
Ask Dr. Osuagwu for tips on how you can reduce your risk level on your own. Making changes to your diet, activity levels, and sleep quality are all good places to begin.
Go into any grocery store, drugstore, or big box retailer, and you’ll see an astounding array of supplements. Each is backed by extensive marketing efforts intended to convince you that the contents of that bottle or box are not only necessary but have the potential to change your life for the better.
The best way to know if you need supplements is to ask your health professional. Dr. Osuwagu has access to your bloodwork and health record, both of which provide clues to which supplements might actually improve your health.
We hope that this information has you excited to book your next wellness exam at Centerville Medical Center. If so, the first step is contacting our team by phone or online to schedule your visit.
