We hear it all the time, “it is better to prevent an illness than to treat it”, but how do we go about this? We know that diet and exercise is one of the main factors to preventing illness and disease, but so is regular doctors visits.
Whilst the pandemic has certainly made it harder to get a GP appointment, a shortage of GP appointments predates Covid-19. However, a lack of people visiting the doctor is not always due to a shortage of appointments, but instead an avoidance of them. A recent survey found that 42% of people avoided making doctors appointments due to not wanting to burden doctors or a fear of catching covid-19. However, regular doctor’s appointments are extremely important and should not be avoided. Here’s why:
Early detection and treatment of an illness or disease
When you have regular medical checkups, there’s a much greater chance of discovering any health issues early than if you were to rely on discovering them at home. Doctors are trained to observe symptoms and to know what causes those symptoms, so early detection gives you a much better chance of overcoming a health problem or disease because it’s caught in its early stages.
Tailored advice from your doctor
If you form a good relationship with your family doctor, you can be advised on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and how to avoid things that are hazardous to your health. This is especially important when you have an existing medical condition, and your doctor can provide sound advice on how to manage it and hopefully even overcome it.
Visiting doctors other than GPs have their own benefits
Whilst it is extremely important to visit your General Practioner regularly, you would also benefit greatly from seeing a specialist. Skin is the body’s largest organ, so be sure that you take good care of it. This is where a dermatologist comes in. As well as treating patients for conditions such as acne, these professionals will also assist you with queries regarding any sort of mole, rash, or other skin and hair related issue. Our dermatologist Dr Zainab Laftah is a Consultant Dermatologist trained at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology, with an additional appointment as the Skin Cancer Clinical Lead at University Lewisham Hospital. She completed her medical and dermatology specialist training in London’s leading teaching hospitals. Dr Zainab Laftah has been awarded numerous prizes for her academic excellence.
Regular blood tests are important for maintenance
One of the best things that you can do for your health is to get regular blood work done. Blood tests allow doctors to find any issues that may be present or developing. As well as diagnostics, doctors are able to give you specific advice to improve your health. At Chelsea Pharmacy Medical Clinic, we work with a world-class laboratory that is able to provide our patients with a quick turnaround. From blood tests to check cholesterol levels, to tests that check for sexually transmitted diseases and even blood tests that check your iron levels, our Private GPs are happy to help you seven days a week.
If you feel it has been a while since you have visited a doctor, click the link to book your appointment or call us on 0207 838 6180 between 9am and 6pm.