Modern Medicine: The Importance of a Regular Check-up - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Modern Medicine: The Importance of a Regular Check-up

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Bay County, Fla. -

Medical experts say it's important to make an appointment with a family physician so you can catch problems before it's too late.  Family Physician Dr. Marnie Vanstrum says warning signs can be missed if you don't see a doctor.  That's why annual check-ups are so important. 

Dr. Vanstrum says some issues may not have symptoms, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Annual check-ups can alert doctors to these issues. 

"Hopefully we can prevent heart attack, strokes, and treat you so you can have a very long life," explains Dr. Vanstrum.

An annual exam includes a family medical history and a physical exam.  Dr. Vanstrum says you also can't ignore screening tests such as a pap smear, mammogram or colonoscopy.  She says screening for cholesterol should even be done for patients in their twenties.