Spring Cleaning Your Health

Everything feels new in the spring, making it the perfect time to refresh your health, too.

From scheduling important annual checkups to tidying up your medicine cabinet, Williamson Health Medical Group physician, Troy Miller, D.O., shared a few tips to help you get started. 

Get an Annual Physical

Spring is a great time to schedule your annual checkup and establish a clear picture of your health.

“An annual physical with your primary care provider can help establish a baseline for your health,” Dr. Miller said. “It allows us to monitor and compare things like your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other vital health indicators year over year, so we can take notice of unhealthy trends before conditions worsen.”

Your annual physical should include a review of your medical history, lifestyle and medications, along with a check of your vitals. Your provider will also examine your heart, lungs and abdomen and may order lab work to monitor your overall health.

 

Common Blood Tests Include:

• Lipid panel: Assesses risk for heart disease

• Comprehensive metabolic panel: Evaluates glucose levels and liver and kidney function, among other things

• Hemoglobin A1C: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months

• Complete Blood Count: Checks for infection or anemia

  
  

Stay on Top of Screenings

“Routine screenings help us catch cancer and other serious conditions early when they are more treatable,” Dr. Miller said. “That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on your recommended screenings for your age and risk factors.”

Adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and maintain routine dental and eye exams. Other screenings may include a coronary artery calcium scan to detect early heart disease, annual skin cancer exams and additional testing as directed by your provider.

Women should also schedule:

• Annual pelvic and breast exams

• A pap smear every three years beginning at age 21

• Annual mammograms starting at age 40

• Bone density screenings beginning at age 65 (earlier if at high risk for osteoporosis)

Men should discuss:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer, typically beginning around age 50 (earlier for those at higher risk)

Bone density screenings as they age

Your provider can help determine the right timing and frequency for each screening based on your personal health history.

Update your Vaccinations

Protecting your health also means staying current on immunizations. Adults should receive a tetanus booster every ten years and seasonal vaccines, such as the flu shot, as recommended.

“In addition, patients older than 50 may want to consider getting the shingles vaccine, while those 65 and older may need a pneumonia vaccine,” Dr. Miller said. “These vaccinations are an important line of defense in preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations.”

Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you.

Clean Out your Medicine Cabinet

“Your medicine cabinet can become a catch-all for expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines,” Dr. Miller said. “Spring is the perfect time to get rid of medications you no longer need or that are no longer effective.”

Community take-back programs are the safest option for prescription disposal, though certain medications may be safely flushed if listed on federal guidance. If you throw medication away in the trash, mix it with something undesirable, such as coffee grounds or cat litter, and seal it in a container to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.

Check expiration dates on over-the-counter medications as well. While some may remain safe beyond the listed date, they often lose effectiveness. Discard all expired liquid medications or any products that have changed in color, smell or consistency.

Let Williamson Health Help

This spring, consider partnering with a primary care provider at Williamson Health to take proactive steps toward better health. From preventive screenings to personalized guidance on managing chronic conditions, Williamson Health providers are committed to helping you live your healthiest life — not just this season, but all year long.

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Learn more at williamsonhealth.org.