Youth has a way of making us feel invincible. But as we age, everyone sooner or later exhibits the signs and symptoms of getting old. While it takes time for us to admit it, we become people who require routine medical help to stay our healthiest.
A key thing to remember is the inevitability of aging. Rather than wait for the aches and pains to drive you to see the doctor, take the initiative and schedule regular appointments starting with your 40th birthday.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at seven types of doctors you should see as you get older:
1. Primary Care Physician
Everyone should be making an appointment to see their primary care physician at least twice each year. Your PCP checks your blood pressure, monitors your weight, examines your eyes, and fields any questions and concerns you may have about your health. The best part about seeing your PCP is these routine checkups are free of charge with health insurance. It’s basically a no-cost way to see the doctor, so why not take advantage?
2. Dentist
Our teeth have to get us through our entire lives. Scheduling time to see the dentist will help you avoid the costly and oftentimes painful dental problems associated with age. Luckily, every major town and city has several suitable options to consider, whether finding a dentist in Palos Heights or one in Pittsburgh. Finding one taking new patients can sometimes be a challenge, depending on the insurance coverage you have, but the number of skilled dentists in any given area all but ensures everyone has access to professional dental care.
3. Dermatologist
Malignant melanoma is one of those cancers that few people worry about until it’s too late. Rather than have a wait-and-see approach to that mole or skin tag that suddenly appeared in your 50s, get yourself to a dermatologist right away. Going forward, visit a dermatologist at least once a year to detect and diagnose any dangerous growths before they grow out of control.
4. Optometrist
Our eyes are our best window to the world around us. While reduced eyesight is a common problem associated with aging, that doesn’t mean diminished vision is unavoidable. Visiting an optometrist on a regular basis will help to determine whether or not new vision loss is something to be corrected with prescription eyewear, laser corrective surgery, or cataract surgery. They can also help determine if poor vision is the sign of some other underlying condition.
5. Psychologist
Many people make the mistake of putting their mental health on the backburner for the sake of their families, careers, and other concerns. As we grow older, unaddressed mental health issues can manifest as unhealthy behaviors and destructive decision-making. Rather than keep burying negative emotions and inner demons, make a point to speak to a psychologist on a regular basis. Doing so will help keep you grounded during difficult stages while preparing yourself for the problems of the future.
6. Cardiologist
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in most industrialized nations. Those in their late-40s need to take heart health seriously. While your PCP will be able to detect and diagnose basic conditions like high blood pressure, the expertise of a cardiologist is required for more specific diagnostics and determinations.
7. Proctologist
Colon and rectal cancer rates are skyrocketing across the United States and Europe. Many experts attribute it to a diet high in processed foods and red meat. Whatever the reason for the uptick, men and women age 40 or older need to undergo routine screenings with their proctologist.
When we’re young, we feel invincible. But everyone who makes it into their 40s comes to realize their grandparents weren’t wrong about the aches and pains of aging. In order to go through the second half of our lives without compromising our health, most of us come to rely on a handful of doctors.
Article Submitted By Community Writer