August 2020 Monthly Health Article – Summer Safety
Taking Charge of Your Health: How Your Primary Care Provider Can Help You Stay Ahead of the Curve
by Marshal Unrein, PA
Since the onset of COVID-19, many of us have probably focused more intently on our health than ever before – paying close attention to how we are feeling, staying alert to any signs that we might not be well and doing what we can to stay healthy. While a pandemic is certainly a bad thing, being more in tune with and focused on our health is definitely a good thing.
Typically, most of us will visit a doctor when we are sick, experiencing a new health problem or are in pain. However, to truly optimize our health, it is important that we visit our primary care provider for regular check-ups – even when we are well.
Annual physical exams can play a very important role in your health. While a yearly examination may seem unnecessary, especially if you feel great, this regular visit with your primary care provider can offer valuable help in preventing health surprises and setbacks down the road. Early diagnosis of many conditions – from cancer to heart disease and other ailments – offers the best chance to achieve the best outcome possible and help keep you on the road to good health.
Additionally, regular primary care can help you establish a healthy and trusting relationship with your provider, making it easier and more comfortable for you to discuss any health concerns you have with a healthcare professional who can help.
So, what is a primary care provider?
Primary care providers include family physicians, general practitioners, general pediatricians and geriatricians, and nurse practitioners. They commonly diagnose new illnesses, help manage chronic conditions, advocate for preventive care and help protect the overall wellness of their patients.
They are usually your first contact when seeking care and your principal point of continuing care. In fact, continuity is a key characteristic of primary care. Having a go-to primary care provider offers you a trusted source for routine check-ups, preventive care and conversations about your health concerns. Your provider knows and understands your health history and potential risk factors, which gives them a more complete picture of your health and how to best manage it.
What happens during an annual exam with a primary care provider?
Your primary care provider uses your regular check-ups to see how your body is performing and monitors your vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other important health markers. Depending on your personal health history, your primary care provider might choose to focus on certain areas during your exam, like additional blood pressure and cholesterol screenings if you have a family history of heart disease.
Beyond monitoring and improving your health, an annual check-up allows you and your provider to develop a strong provider-patient relationship, which can go a long way in helping identify even the smallest changes in your health or lifestyle. If you suffer from any chronic conditions, your primary care provider can help you manage them and stay tuned in to any changes in your condition that may need attention.
Yearly exams are also the best way for a primary care provider to ensure that you are getting the preventive health screenings and important vaccinations you need at the right times.
Are annual exams expensive?
Getting an annual exam doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, most insurance plans fully cover one check-up each year. You should contact your insurance provider for details regarding your plan’s coverage.
If you haven’t scheduled your annual check-up, now is a great time to get it on the calendar. Provider offices are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their patients, so it’s never been safer to visit your primary care provider. Your primary care provider may even have a few more openings for annual exam visits than usual.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, Colorado Plains Medical Center can help. Call 970-867-3391 or visit ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com and get connected with primary care today to help you stay healthy for all your tomorrows.
March 30, 2021
Life has changed in ways both big and small over the last year. Plans were suspended and priorities shifted as we cautiously made our way through a situation that we had never experienced, much less imagined would happen.
March 9, 2021
Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have become accustomed to wearing masks, social distancing, virtual schooling and remote working. We have all made sacrifices to protect ourselves and one another, but there is another very important step you can take to help end this pandemic and get back to normal. As soon as you have the opportunity, please consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
March 3, 2021
The Hospital Transformation Program (HTP) is a value-based program for hospitals caring for Medicaid clients.
March 2, 2021
When you think about your health, some of the first things that probably come to mind are healthy eating, exercise, visits with a provider and other steps to help prevent and manage illness and disease. But there is another important factor to consider when thinking about maintaining good health – preventing injuries.
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Colorado Plains Medical Center is now offering a low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening program to help detect lung cancer in patients who meet specific criteria.
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Things change as we get older.
February 16, 2021
After a long day, it’s easy to put your feet up and grab the remote. This may help you unwind, but it won’t do your heart any favors.
February 15, 2021
Each February we celebrate American Heart Month – a perfect time to refocus on staying heart healthy and giving this important organ the attention it deserves.
February 12, 2021
There are many benefits to taking time for yourself. A little alone time can help you recharge, improve your focus and manage stress – which is key to maintaining a healthy heart.
February 12, 2021
An important step in taking charge of your health is speaking with your healthcare provider about medications you are taking, including its favorable results and any potential side effects.
February 12, 2021
You’ve heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine,” right?
February 9, 2021
As we have been spending more time at home – both leisure and work time – during the pandemic, there’s a good chance that many of us may spend too much time sitting!
February 8, 2021
We’ve all seen when heart attacks happen in the movies. A character is walking along when, suddenly, they grab their chest – wincing with pain – and immediately tell someone, “Call 911! I’m having a heart attack!”
February 8, 2021
Egg whites are low in calories, high in protein and have no cholesterol. This egg white omelet is a great way to give them a try.
January 6, 2021
Effective March 1, 2021, Colorado Plains Medical Center will be disposing medical records of those prior to December 31, 2009, that have satisfied the required period of retention.
December 29, 2020
A new year is always an opportunity for a fresh start.
December 1, 2020
With its myriad joyful and time-honored traditions, the holiday season is a cherished time of the year for many. Unfortunately, it can also be a stressful and emotionally trying time, especially for those juggling numerous obligations or coping with the loss of a loved one.
November 17, 2020
The final two months of the year are traditionally filled with a number of opportunities to celebrate with family, friends and co-workers. Of course, 2020 has been anything but a traditional year, thanks in no small part to the ongoing pandemic.
November 13, 2020
Colorado Plains Medical Center’s top priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of our patients, providers, employees and the communities we serve. Like our fellow healthcare providers, we continue to be challenged by the concerning trend of COVID-19 in our local community and across the nation.
November 10, 2020
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November is the start of the holiday season - a time to celebrate fun, family and food. It also is a time to consider a medical condition for which as many as 79 million American adults is at risk of contracting: diabetes.
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October 12, 2018
Colorado Plains Medical Center (CPMC) announces appointment of Kevin Zachary as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He will replace retiring CEO, Gene O'Hara, at the end of October.
October 12, 2018
While medications can provide many benefits, misusing them can be detrimental to health. Colorado Plains Medical Center provides tips to develop safe medication habits
October 8, 2018
Fall is here! That means cooler weather, autumn colors and, unfortunately, the flu. This article reminds the reader the importance of the flu vaccination and offers other important tips to protect an individual from the flu and other infections.
September 25, 2018
The issue of suicide is a very difficult and concerning topic to address. Colorado Plains Medical Center provides recognizable signs and risk factors in this article as well as potential resources for mental health.
July 19, 2018
Physical activity is one of the best tools to improve or maintain good physical and mental health. To get the most positive health benefits from regular exercise, it's important to understand one's capabilities, as well as how to safely use any type of exercise equipment to help prevent injuries. Tips to avoid sports injuries are presented by David Keller, orthopedic physician assistant and physical therapist at Colorado Plains Medical Center.
July 19, 2018
An important facet of everyone's health is mental health. It has a profound impact on our overall well-being. Early warning signs of a mental health condition are noted as well as inpatient and outpatient resources available in this area at Colorado Plains Medical Center.
April 13, 2018
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March 29, 2018
Colorado Plains Medical Center's parent company, LifePoint Health, was a recent recipient of the 2017 John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety. The prestigious award acknowledges major achievements in healthcare quality and patient safety.
October 5, 2017
A healthy lifestyle and early detection are encouraged in the fight against breast cancer. Mammograms, forms of screening, risk factors, and symptoms of breast cancer are covered in this article
October 5, 2017
The hospital now offers FAST TRACK as a pre-registration option. This convenient service is ideal for those expecting a baby, scheduling a mammogram, or have a scheduled procedure, such as a sleep study or surgery
July 7, 2017
The Paul E. Woodward Birthing Center, a mainstay at this Colorado hospital, was recognized for its commitment to reducing the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy to less than one percent.
July 7, 2017
Today, the world is focused on hand hygiene and for good reason. Colorado Plains Medical Center has made this focus a top priority and commitment to its quality improvement initiative.
June 2, 2017
Although the hot sunny weather offers the opportunity for fun, it can also be dangerous. Discover how heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect individuals and uncover tips to aid someone suffering from an heat-related illness.
January 9, 2017
Professional Chef at Colorado Plains Medical Center, Tracy Fisher, provides tips for those who are seeking to eat healthier in the New Year.
January 9, 2017
Colorado Plains Medical Center is among the 6% of hospitals that achieved Top Hospital status through the national Leapfrog organization's annual survey process for safety and quality measures and outcomes. Additionally, it was one of only 21 rural hospitals selected by Leapfrog to receive an additional designation as a Top Rural Hospital.
November 29, 2016
Colorado Plains Medical Center physician is a recipient of Alumni of the Plains award
November 29, 2016
The Leapfrog Group, a national safety watchdog, bestows an "A" grade to local hospital
November 29, 2016
Group among the ranks of 2016 HomeCare Elite
October 7, 2016
Colorado Plains Medical Center encourages community to get vaccinated
August 26, 2016
Dr. Amy Prince, pediatrician on staff at Colorado Plains Medical Center, offers several tips on addressing childhood obesity. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month.
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