As we get older and more busy, it becomes very easy to avoid the doctors office unless feeling really sick. Indeed, we often ask ourselves, what’s the point?

But the importance of routine check ups is actually incredibly important to overall health — especially as we start to get on in years.

Consider this: every 33 seconds, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. Indeed, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More people die from heart disease than of AIDS and all cancers combined.

These are scary facts, but they form part of the reason why consistent checkups are extremely important. There is no way to detect disease unless you are maintaining your health and consulting a medical professional regularly.

One of the big pluses of getting regular health check ups from a doctor you trust is that the relationship you form could be life saving. Having someone who knows the details of your medial record and your body is better able to read warning signs.

Going in for routine checkups is also a good way to remind yourself to take care of yourself. One in three Americans are obese, which can cause a myriad of very harmful health conditions, from diabetes to heart disease.

Preventative healthcare is the best kind of health care. It should involve both improving your lifestyle (exercising, eating healthy), as well as getting actual medical advice. Finding a doctor that you are a comfortable with is the first step.

Before you go in to your appointment, make sure to prepare questions to ask a physician, questions to ask an OBGYN, or whatever type of doctor you are going to see.

For any other more serious medical work, finding a hospital that you are comfortable with and that is affiliated with your doctor can be the best way to deal with medical issues. Don’t forget that preventative care will reduce your chance of every having to go to the emergency room — another reason for the importance of routine check ups.

Working with your doctor, your family, and yourself to improve your health and detect disease early can truly be the difference between life and death in many cases. More can be found here. See this link for more.