About 58% of Latinos use urgent care or the emergency room as their main source of care.
Americans aren’t staying on top of their wellness check ups and reports are saying it shows.
Aflac’s 2024 Wellness Matters found that more people are waiting for a medical emergency to access care, with about 52% of Americans using convenience care as their primary option.
For Latino Americans specifically, this survey provided critical insights on the barriers preventing Latinos from accessing preventative healthcare and a growing trend of relying on urgent care or emergency services to meet their primary healthcare needs. According to the survey, 58% of Latinos primarily use urgent care and emergency rooms as their primary healthcare option.
For Latinos, the health risks are higher and these barriers towards accessing care are compounding. According to the Wellness report, 56% of Latinos reported a family history of chronic illness or disease, yet 64% said they skipped important health or cancer screenings, which can lead to devastating consequences.
In 2019, Side Effects Public Media reported the case of Magdalena Hernandez, a Spanish-speaking Indiana resident who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017. She experienced symptoms like fatigue, weakness in her legs, and pain she described as “more painful than labor,” but did not seek medical attention for years in part, she said, because of her distrust of the medical system. When she finally sought help, a doctor told her she had inflammation and cleared her to go back to work. She did not seek medical care for another year.
Importance for a Check-Up
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often neglecting our most valuable asset – our health. Many people tend to take their well-being for granted until a health issue arises. This is where regular health check-ups come into play, serving as a proactive approach to maintaining good health and preventing potential problems. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why it’s crucial for patients to prioritize regular health check-ups, which can be a life-saving habit.
- Early Detection of Health Issues:
Regular health check-ups are like a health status report card. They can help detect potential health issues at their earliest, most manageable stages. Many diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, often show no symptoms in their initial phases. By the time symptoms do appear, the disease may have already progressed significantly. Regular check-ups allow for early detection, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
- Prevention is Better than Cure:
The old adage “prevention is better than cure” holds true in the world of healthcare. Regular check-ups provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to assess your risk factors and offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can help prevent various illnesses. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, or quitting smoking, early intervention can make a significant difference in your overall health.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions:
For those already living with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, regular check-ups are essential. They allow healthcare providers to monitor the condition’s progression, adjust treatment plans, and prevent complications. Proper management of chronic conditions can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
- Immunizations and Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are a critical part of preventive healthcare. Regular check-ups ensure that you are up-to-date on essential immunizations, protecting you from vaccine-preventable diseases. This is particularly important for children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
- Establishing a Baseline for Health:
Regular check-ups help establish a baseline for your health. Your healthcare provider can track changes in your vital signs, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health indicators over time. This information is invaluable for detecting subtle shifts that may signal underlying health issues.
- Reducing Healthcare Costs:
While the idea of regular check-ups might seem like an added expense, they can actually help reduce healthcare costs in the long run. Early detection and prevention can save you from expensive treatments, hospitalizations, and medications that may be required if a condition goes undetected.
- Promoting Peace of Mind:
Knowing that you are actively taking steps to monitor and maintain your health can bring peace of mind. Regular check-ups provide reassurance that you are doing your best to stay healthy and address any concerns promptly.
- Setting a Good Example:
Finally, your commitment to regular health check-ups can serve as a positive example to friends and family. Encouraging loved ones to prioritize their health can have a ripple effect, creating a culture of wellness within your community.
In conclusion, regular health check-ups are a vital component of maintaining good health and preventing potential health issues. They offer the opportunity for early detection, prevention, and intervention, ultimately saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. So, make that appointment with your healthcare provider today, and commit to the life-saving habit of regular health check-ups.
Contact:
Visit Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero
Headquarters (Pico Union) Site
123 S. Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: (213) 989-7700
E-mail: info@clinicaromero.com