‘Be an active participant’: Piedmont officials talk about staying healthy
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Piedmont Columbus Regional officials say keeping the doctor away isn’t always the best way to maintain health.
As the first month of 2024 ends, many still have their eyes on improving their health through diet and exercise, a common New Year’s resolution. According to Piedmont Nurse Practitioner Courtney Hawkins, making routine visits to the doctor can help maintain health and even prevent serious illnesses.
“Medicine shouldn’t be passive. It shouldn’t just be you going to the doctor and saying, ‘I have a headache,’ and getting prescribed medication,” Hawkins said.
She explained routine doctor’s visits, like annual wellness checks, can help determine the cause of headaches and other afflictions. They can also help doctors and nurses observe abnormalities more effectively since they are more familiar with the patient’s medical- and social histories.
As Hawkins explained, it is the patient who guides their own healthcare. She said, “You need [to be] an active participant.”
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Outside of annual wellness checks, there are other appointments Piedmont recommends everyone should schedule regularly. These include eye exams, dental exams and colon cancer screenings, for those of the appropriate age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be regularly screened for colorectal cancer. Men around age 45-50 should begin prostate screenings, as well, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
For women, Hawkins recommended annual well-woman exams, mammograms – which are often recommended as early as age 40 – and heart screenings.
According to the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, women over 40 should have regular heart checkups, regardless of if they present risk factors or have a family history of heart issues.
In Hawkins experience, making these types of appointments and especially going to a primary care physician regularly, can have profound impacts.
The nurse practitioner recalled one patient, a 38-year-old woman with a family history of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Although the patient was under the recommended age for a mammogram, since Hawkins knew her age and medical history, they were able to schedule for an early screening.
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Results from the mammogram showed the patient had signs of breast cancer and doctors were able to intercede, based on the early detection.
Waiting to see a doctor until a health issue is present can also be more pain than it’s worth, explained Hawkins.
“You’re waiting for a consequence to happen,” she said, continuing on, “instead of anticipating that we can control this.”
In addition to regular checkups, Piedmont officials also advise staying up to date on vaccinations or boosters. Children are also recommended to do an annual pediatric wellness check and any appointments required for school, sports and camps.
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