“Good habits formed at youth make all the difference. – Aristotle”

Consider building up some good habits for your health within the years ahead:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day such as brisk walking, swimming
• Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per day
• Take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid daily
• Don’t start smoking or go for help quitting if you already do
• Limit alcohol to one standard drink or less daily (one standard drink is about a can of 12 fluid ounces of 5% alcohol beer)
• Don’t use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs
• Protect yourself from the sun

Developing good habits isn’t always easy, talk to your doctor and seek support to build up good daily routines.

An annual health check is an opportunity to check in on your health and set goals for the year. Through the annual checking, you could focus on taking care of your current health for illness prevention and take early action on any diagnosed disease. Regular check-up is the key to long-term wellness. Here are some discussion ideas with your doctor at the annual exam:

• Upcoming birth plan - premarital plan
• Daily physical activity and diet
• Tobacco, alcohol and medication use
• Any mental health concerns, including depression or anxiety 
• Stress and mood management
• Family medical history

To get the foremost out of the annual check, share your concerns and questions with your doctor for further discussion.

Health screening programs are available at our clinic.

 “The best defense is a good offense”

Proactively check with your doctor and decide if you would need to take preventive measures against certain diseases. Immunisations, tests, and health screenings are some discussion topics with a doctor to develop disease prevention tactics. Potential disease prevention measures may include:

• Seasonal influenza vaccination

• Hepatitis A and B vaccination
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinationMeasles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV) vaccination
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) screening

• Contraception advices including emergency contraception
• Birth planning advices
• Cervical cancer screening with Pap test and HPV DNA tests

• Blood sugar and blood pressure screening

Not every test or vaccine is needed every year, a better practice is to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you based on your age, medical history and any symptoms or concerns you may have.

While your life priorities may change throughout the years, taking care of your health should always be your top priority. 

Our primary care team offers expertise and compassion to support you every step along the way. Schedule an appointment to get started.