How often do you visit your doctor for a check-up? In this WLTX interview, Dr. Javier Carles of Chapin Family Practice, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, talks about when to visit your doctor and what you need to discuss.
According to Dr. Carles, adults should have a wellness visit each year. During those visits, doctors typically tailor testing to your age, gender, risk factors and family history.
If you're born between 1945 and 1965, doctors perform a Hepatitis C screen. Mammography begins at age 40. Colorectal cancer screening usually begins at age 50 with a colonoscopy. If you've had a family history of cancer, screenings may begin earlier.
Adults need immunizations, too. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, COPD, or if you're a smoker, doctors recommend a pneumonia vaccine before age 65. Otherwise, a pneumonia vaccine is recommended at age 65.
Seeing a family practice physician like Dr. Carles has many benefits. These doctors treat the whole family - knowing your family history and the dynamics of your family are helpful to doctors taking care of your overall health and well-being.
