One of the biggest health investments we can make is to visit a family health clinic regularly. Even if you feel you are perfectly healthy, visiting your local GP and allied health services annually, both for yourself and your family, allows your doctor to keep track of any changes to your health, and to observe and monitor these. Periodic check-ups can also prove to be a reasonable economic investment as opposed to treating a possibly expensive ailment down the track.

It is important to be mindful that as we age, our minds and bodies change each year, and being aware that we are not the same person as we were just a few years ago, should be our number one reason for getting regular check-ups.

Here are a few reasons why we should get regular check-ups at our local family health clinic:

Sourcing a local family health clinic

Utilising your local family health clinic has many advantages over visiting a doctor in your hometown or on the other side of the city. The reason for this is mostly for convenience, as when you or one of your household members are unwell, your local family health clinic is an accessible option when you may not be in a position to drive long stretches or expose yourself to the elements on public transport or by walking.

The best way to source your local family health clinic is by performing a Google search for doctors near me, dr near me, doctors around me or if you’re local to the Malvern area, searching specifically for Malvern doctors will produce results where you can check the clinic’s location, services, and fees, as well as reviews from patients which can help you to decide which family health clinic or medical centre would be best suited to you and your family.

Convenience

Utilising a family health clinic as opposed to a traditional medical centre, can provide a multitude of benefits for the whole family. For example, many health clinics incorporate allied health services along with GP care. If you or your family require seeing a specialist for consultant-type care, options for chiropractic, physiotherapy, pathology, remedial massage, pregnancy yoga, podiatry, psychology or radiography are commonly found in local health clinic centres that aim to provide convenient care, all under one roof. Not only is it convenient for you to travel to these appointments when necessary, but with all of your information being kept in one all-encompassing system, you won’t need to hunt around and call different organisations to retrieve any essential information.

Early Detection of Ailments or Diseases

One of the many advantages of regularly visiting a family health clinic is having a doctor who can look for the early signs and symptoms of common ailments or diseases, and perform comfortable tests to ensure that you’re staying on top of your health. They can also help in guiding you to face these ailments should they arise. Having that one GP you trust, feel at ease communicating with, and who is well-versed with potential ailments and diseases which can form based on your medical history, will help to reach the root cause of any issues, develop a plan of action, and encourage honest communication throughout your treatment appointments.

Pre-existing conditions/family conditions

A critical benefit of regularly visiting your family health clinic is that if any pre-existing conditions may be present such as a family history of heart disease or thyroid issues, having a regular check-up can help you and your doctor determine if you may be exhibiting signs of developing an ailment or disease. Having an honest and open line of communication between yourself and your GP can help with testing for anything being present in your system, and work out a course of action that is achievable for you and which is easily monitored by your clinic.

Blood tests for vitamin deficiencies

Did you know that lacking in certain vitamins or being prone to deficiencies can lead to much more than a weakened immune system or contribute toward a lack of energy? Some vitamin deficiencies can range from experiencing dry hair and brittle nails to poor oral health,  hair loss and restless leg syndrome, to much more severe situations where experiencing cognitive difficulties, memory loss, and balance issues if severely lacking in Vitamin B12, for example. If you are concerned about a lack in vitamins or if you have noticed any changes in your body, you can ask your GP to refer you to their onsite pathologist to have these levels checked. Whether you’re very healthy, have a deficiency, or could be prone to experiencing depleting levels of necessary vitamins, your GP will be able to both monitor these as well as prescribe a course of action.

Familiarity

There’s nothing like visiting your local family health clinic where everyone from the reception staff to the onsite psychologist, to your family’s GP knows your and your family’s names. Being greeted by and having small chats with your service providers and specialist caregivers allows you and your family to feel comfortable and relaxed when you enter the clinic. If you’re comfortable with the people you are seeking treatment from, you’re more likely to feel at ease (this is especially important for children), and can then better assist your doctor with any information you may need to provide as well as have a relaxed catch up every time you meet.

So, no matter if you currently don’t have a GP or family health clinic that you visit regularly, there’s no better time than right now to begin searching for one that meets all of your requirements. Whether you’re after a considerate and understanding GP who can provide a comfortable space for your children, or specialist care or expert advice from an allied health services practitioner, it is important that to continue to live a healthy, long and happy life, you enlist in the services available in your area, and book yours and your family’s periodic check-ups today.

For more information on how Family Health Clinics Malvern can assist you and your family with all of your medical and healthcare needs, give us a call today or use our online booking system to book your next appointment. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

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