Regular Doctor Visits Key to Wellness

Good health is a goal all of us would agree is worth pursuing.
A lucky few are born healthy and with seemingly very little effort are able to remain so throughout their lives. The rest of us have to work at it. As a family doctor, part of my job is to help you with the work.
Let’s define good health, and more importantly, let’s see what we need to do to attain it.
In its most basic form health is simply freedom form disease. However, this is a very limited view which defines well-being as a negative attribute.
In a more positive and broader sense, good health can be seen as the well-earned reward of maximizing the body’s ability to maintain itself in balance, something that medical science calls homeostasis.
Clearly this definition, which I believe is correct, implies that optimum health is more than just not being sick and requires more than periodic visits to the doctor for medication refills or the occasional antibiotic to “nip that cold in the bud.”
Good health requires attention to a goal and often requires some lifestyle changes.
Probably one of the best ways to avoid illness and promote good health is through regular physical activity. Both strength training and aerobics are important and generally can be worked into even the busiest schedule.
Another important factor in wellness is a sensible diet. Believe me, I’m a big fan of chili dogs and cheese steaks, but none of us would be hurt by a few more servings of fresh vegetables and fruit or a fish dinner once or twice a week.
In addition throughout our lives we can all benefit from regular checkups and health screenings. While you may feel well, it is important to make sure that disease is not silently harming your body.
Many diseases that can wreak havoc are truly silent. For instance high blood pressure can damage your heart and kidneys without you even being aware you have the condition.
If you develop a chronic illness like high blood pressure, even if you faithfully take your medication, you can’t be sure the treatment is safe and effective without regular doctor visits.
A big part of a doctor’s job is helping you to keep healthy. But the doctor cannot do it all. You need to come to the physician with your questions and use the advice to guide your choices.
Trite as it may sound routine exams can be lifesavers, and in order to take good care of yourself, you need to understand and put to good use the medical advice that your doctor gives you.
—Dr. Peter Corrado, North Main Family Practice, 108 N Main St., Suite 3, Cape May Court House, 609 408 9020.