With spring upon us, tradition has it that we refresh our homes by "spring cleaning" after the long winter.
But this does not have to be limited to one's home. Spring cleaning is also the perfect time for you to check up on your overall health after a cold, drawn-out winter.
This was a long and harsh winter that now has a lot of us looking forward to getting outside again, said Dr. Kirk Garcia-Rios, a family medicine physician with McLaren Macomb. But because it was such a long winter, it may have taken a toll on your body and health.
Even if you haven't been sick and have been feeling fine, physicians still recommend an annual check-up with your primary care physician to review your numbers and determine where your health stands.
"You don't have to be feeling sick to see your physician," Dr. Garcia-Rios said. "It's always beneficial to the physician and the patient to regularly evaluate your well-being."
The annual check-up can include a physical exam, which can ensure your weight is within range after the possibility of winter inactivity, and a chance to review your numbers.
The physician will measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar, ensuring they are in line with where you should be and treat any abnormalities they detect.
This will also allow your physician to advise you on which health screenings you may be due to receive, such as a colonoscopy, mammogram or other recommended preventative health screenings.
To make an appointment with a McLaren Macomb family medicine physician, visit www.mclaren.org/main/physician-directory.