Here’s to a Healthy You in ‘22

Are you getting the most out of your healthcare experience? If you don’t have an established Wellstar primary care provider (PCP), you could be missing out on some major benefits.

Some people visit a different provider each time they need a check-up or just whenever they feel sick. Similarly, many patients use the walk-in convenience of urgent care as a substitute for primary care. However, in both of these cases, it can be difficult for you to build a lasting health partnership and leave your care feeling incomplete.

Having a designated Wellstar primary care provider—and specialty medicine providers within the same health system—gives you an entire team of health experts that are invested in you and your well-being.

Benefits of a primary care provider

The main role of a primary care provider is to keep you healthy at every age and stage of life. To keep you feeling your best, these experts are trained to:

• Get to know and understand your unique health needs. Your PCP can keep you on track with your individual wellness goals, whether you are planning to start a family, need help managing a chronic illness or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Coordinate care and provide referrals for specialists. Your PCP can quickly and seamlessly get you in touch with the robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more at Wellstar.
• Keep you up-to-date on immunizations and vaccinations. You can build up your body’s immunity to common diseases and protect your health with the latest vaccines, all ordered by your PCP.
• Order appropriate health screenings, diagnostic tests and follow-up care. If your wellness check-up reveals certain risk factors, chronic conditions or new diagnoses, your PCP can help you get the right treatment fast.
• Treat you for acute illnesses, such as colds or the flu. When you feel under the weather, your established PCP can often get you an appointment sooner so you can feel better.

Continuing care for every stage of life

As you get older, your healthcare needs will change. That’s why many people keep the same Wellstar primary care provider for years, even decades.

Your provider can help you stay ahead of health issues and deliver tailored care for your unique needs, as they change over time. These experts are your first defense against many preventable diseases and can catch major illnesses earlier, so you have the best possible outcome.

Ready to find the right Wellstar primary care provider for you? We make it easy to get expert, comprehensive primary care at many convenient locations across metro Atlanta and West Georgia. To find a location near you, simply click “Book Now” at the top of any page.

Between cookie baking, busy shopping trips and being with family, the holiday season can pass by in a blur. Through all the hustle and bustle, Wellstar health experts warn it can be all too easy to put off your wellness.

“During this hectic time of year, health may be the last thing on your mind. However, the best present you can give yourself is prioritizing your well-being,” said Dr. Umme Nur, internal medicine physician with Wellstar.

“Seeing your provider now can help you stay on track this season,” Dr. Nur explained. “It can also help you jumpstart your health goals in January and already have a care plan tailored to your needs.”

Start healthy habits

It’s easy to let your normal routines slip during this time of year. However, you can take small steps to stay on track every day.

• Eat right. It’s okay to indulge in holiday treats, but try to keep your main meals balanced with fruits and veggies.
• Don’t forget about fitness. Create a routine and stick to your exercise goals, even if it’s just a 30-minute stroll.
• Catch some Z’s. Maintain an adequate sleep regimen to help your body rest, feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Check in on your well-being

Remember, the perfect gift isn’t something wrapped with a bow—it’s putting your health first. That means partnering with a Wellstar primary care provider (PCP) and scheduling a wellness exam.

Your provider will help you take charge of your health and create a personalized plan just for you. Because your PCP is a pro at preventative care, they’ll help keep you ahead of potential medical problems.

After your annual check-up, you’ll know your stats for:

• Blood pressure. Taken with a simple arm cuff, a blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
• Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Body mass index (BMI). The BMI estimates human body fat, which may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

At your exam, be sure to bring up any health goals, such as weight loss or managing a chronic condition. Your provider will work with you to create a custom treatment plan for your unique needs.

Know your family history & take action

Depending on your gender, age and family history, your provider may also recommend other preventative tests to screen for diseases before they start, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.

Your provider can also help you understand your potential health risks with:

• Know Your Heart screenings. Preventative heart screenings help determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
• Genetic risk assessment. Genetic testing is a tool to help people determine their hereditary risk of cancer and heart problems. This program also helps couples and expecting mothers with prenatal or preconception concerns.

Learn more about how having an established primary care provider can keep you well.