Daily health activities are essential for several reasons. For one, they help keep your body healthy and functioning correctly. Additionally, they can help prevent diseases and other health conditions from developing. Here are some statistics to back up the importance of daily health activities:
- According to the CDC, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week to maintain good health.
- Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve mental health, too. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, regular aerobic exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Daily activities for health will be necessary. However, there might be a few that are more important than others. Here are some health essentials to accomplish at least once a year.
Physical Exam
A physical exam is a significant health essential at least once a year. This is because it can help catch any potential health problems early on. Your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They will also listen to your heart and lungs and feel your abdomen for abnormalities.
In addition, your doctor will likely give you a physical exam to check for any signs of cancer or other diseases. They may also test your urine and blood for any signs of infection or illness. Here are a few tests that you may have during a physical exam:
- Blood tests: A blood test can check for cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. It can also check for anemia, infections, and other diseases.
- Urine tests: A urine test can check for dehydration, kidney problems, and urinary tract infections.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can help diagnose cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.
Fortunately, physical exams are usually free when you have health insurance. If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get a physical exam at many community health centers.
Dental Exam
Another health essential to have at least once a year is a dental exam. Your dentist will clean your teeth during a dental exam and check for cavities or other problems. They will also look for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.
Dental exams are important because they help catch tooth and gum problems early on. This is important because these problems can lead to more severe issues if left untreated. For example, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Fortunately, most dental insurance plans cover two dental exams per year. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still get a dental exam at many community health centers.
You will have to pay for dental exams if you go to a private dentist. However, many dentists offer discounts for patients without insurance. Try to find an affordable dental clinic to get the care you need.
Eye Exam
Another health essential to have at least once a year is an eye exam. Your doctor will check your vision and look for any signs of eye disease during an eye exam. They will also check for other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Eye exams are important because they can help catch vision problems early on. This is important because vision problems can lead to more severe issues if left untreated. For example, macular degeneration is a condition that can cause blindness if left untreated.
Fortunately, most health insurance plans cover one comprehensive eye exam every year or two years. If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get an eye exam at many community health centers. You may also be able to get a free or discounted eye exam at a vision center such as LensCrafters or Pearle Vision.
Mental Health Exam
Another health essential to have at least once a year is a mental health exam. This is because mental health problems can be just as serious as physical health problems. During a mental health exam, your doctor will ask questions about your mood, anxiety, and sleeping habits. They will also check for signs of depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders.
Mental health exams are important because they help catch mental disorders early on. This is important because these disorders can lead to more severe issues if left untreated. For example, depression has been linked to heart disease and suicide.
Fortunately, most health insurance plans cover one mental health exam per year. If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get a mental health exam at many community health centers. You may also be able to get a free or discounted mental health exam at a mental health center such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Final Thoughts
These are just a few health essentials you should accomplish at least once a year. However, you may need many other health screenings and exams based on your age, health history, and family history.
Talking to your doctor about the necessary health screenings and exams is essential. This way, you can be sure to stay healthy and catch any problems early on.