Why Young Adults Often Forgo Proactive and Preventative Primary Care

When you're a kid, your parents make sure you go to the doctor for regular checkups and vaccinations. But when you turn 18, you're suddenly responsible for making your own appointments. And for many young adults, that results in years, possibly even a decade, of missing the opportunity to optimize proactive and preventative primary care altogether.

There are a number of reasons why young adults might skip going to a primary care doctor.  They might not have health insurance, or they might not be able to afford the copays. They might also be busy with school, work, or other obligations, and they might not make time for a doctor's appointment. Many value their time and the whole process of making the appointment, driving there, parking, waiting in the waiting room; it all seems like too much work for too little return.

But the truth is, proactive and preventative primary care is essential for good health. By seeing a doctor regularly, you can catch health problems early, when they're easier to treat. You can also get advice on how to stay healthy, such as how to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

If you're a young adult, don't skip the doctor. Make sure you have a primary care doctor who you can see regularly. It's an investment in your health that will pay off for years to come.

Here are some tips for young adults who want to make sure they're getting the preventive care they need:

• Find a primary care doctor. If you don't have a primary care doctor, ask your parents, friends, or other trusted adults for recommendations. You can also search online for doctors in your area.
• Make an appointment. Once you've found a doctor, call their office to schedule an appointment.
• Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions about your health. They're there to help you.
• Follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor recommends that you get certain tests or treatments, be sure to follow their advice.
• Make it a habit. Make regular doctor's appointments a part of your routine. This will help you stay healthy and catch any health problems early.

Proactive and preventative primary care is important for everyone, but it's especially important for young adults. By making sure you're getting the care you need, you can set yourself up for a lifetime of good health.

Connected Health, located in Wexford, PA offers concierge primary care that is accessible, personalized, and proactive. Everyone’s healthcare journey is different. Through our personalized approach, we firmly believe that having high-touch, relationship-based medical care saves patients time and money while improving your health. Connected Health is accepting new patients. To schedule a consultation, please call 724-933-4305.