How to Plan your Critical Medical Appointments for 2019

New year, new you, correct?

On top of all those new year’s resolutions you’re making for 2019 it is now a better time than ever to plan any medical appointments you may need. Taking the time to organize medical appointments like annual physicals, vaccinations, and other critical healthcare needs.

Here is a bonafide list of all the medical appointments you should try and plan for in 2019.

Get your flu shot if you haven’t already!

The flu shot is the best way to ensure that you don’t contract the flu during the peak sick season. Flu shots, or influenza vaccinations, work by taking a weakened strain of the flu and either injecting it or using an alternative nasal. The weakened strain is not potent enough to cause the flu and helps the body create more antibodies to fight the disease.

Most people should schedule their flu shot in mid-September or as quickly as possible during the winter. As a general guideline, getting the flu shot is better sooner rather than later no matter when.

Schedule your annual physical

An annual physical may likely be the most important medical you schedule in a given calendar year. Primary care providers use the information from a physical to recommend any medication, lifestyle, or dietary changes you may need to improve your overall health.

More importantly, a routine physical allows your doctor to identify and potential healthcare complications and risks in the near future.

Coordinate your physical examination with work or school in order to avoid any scheduling conflicts with primary commitments. A physical may also last between 15 to 45 minutes, so make sure you are mindful of a potentially lengthy appointment when scheduling.

Also, make sure that you have all up-to-date medical information on hand when you begin your physical. Your medical history is crucial to help your provider make healthcare recommendations and referrals.

Get any travel vaccinations as needed for a long-distance vacation!

Planning a big trip or an exotic vacation next year? Make sure to thoroughly plan out any travel vaccines, depending upon where you go. Check on the CDC’s website to see if your destination requires any specific vaccinations for your trip.

Additionally, you should also keep up to date on your routine vaccinations through a primary care provider or another medical professional.

Taking the time plan any preventive medical appointment helps to lower your overall health risks throughout the year. Make sure you’re planning any medical services to have your healthiest year yet!