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YOUNGSTOWN -- As families settle into fall routines, calendars can quickly fill with school, sports, work and other commitments.
Mercy Health physicians are encouraging patients to make their health part of that seasonal reset by scheduling preventive screenings, annual wellness visits and recommended follow-up care.
Fall can be a good time to reconnect with a primary care provider and address health needs that may have been put on the back burner during the summer months. Staying current with preventive care can help identify potential health concerns earlier, manage chronic conditions and address health changes before they become more difficult to treat.
"Fall is a natural time to reset routines, and health care should be part of that reset," said Dr. Frank Castro, primary care physician at Mercy Health-Salem Primary Care. "Preventive visit gives us a chance to look at the bigger picture, identify potential concerns and make sure patients are up to date on recommended screenings and care."
Physicians say there are several benefits to prioritizing preventive care now:
● Getting ahead of seasonal illness: Make time for annual wellness visits, recommended screenings, vaccinations and routine checkups.
● Staying on track with preventive care: Fall marks the beginning of a season when cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses become more common. A primary care visit is an opportunity to discuss vaccinations and other ways to help protect your health.
● Avoiding the calendar crunch: School, sports, work and holiday commitments often make it harder to prioritize healthcare later in the year.
For patients who have been advised to undergo a procedure or receive additional treatment, putting off care may allow certain conditions to progress. Conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease and some digestive disorders can become more complicated over time and may result in greater discomfort or more extensive treatment.
"It's not uncommon for patients to adjust to a health issue when the symptoms are manageable and continue putting off care," Castro said. "But some conditions can change over time. If your provider has recommended testing or treatment, it is important to understand why and discuss the appropriate timing rather than allowing the issue to go unaddressed."
Fall is also an opportunity to prepare for the months ahead. As schedules become increasingly busy toward the holidays and the end of the year, appointment availability can become more limited. Patients may also want to review their health insurance benefits and determine whether they have preventive services or recommended care they should complete before the end of the plan year.
"Fall is a good opportunity to check in on your health before the demands of the season take over," Castro said. "Taking care of preventive visits and recommended treatment now can help patients enter the winter months with a clearer picture of their health and a plan for what comes next."