Disclaimer: This report is not meant to be a substitute for advice from a medical professional. It is only to be used as a guideline when you should seek out medical help.
One of the major factors that keeps us from sticking to a diet and exercise plan is the lack of energy and focus. At times, we may think there is something physically wrong with us or we may worry that we are imagining things and are too lazy to follow through which lowers self esteem.
It is always a good idea for any adult to get a routine physical exam once a year and an oral exam. This visit can catch things that might have slipped into your system during the year. The older you get, the more often and the more specific some of the tests need to be.
Aside from the routine physical, how should you know when to see a doctor and how long can it be put off? That all depends on your symptoms, age, and general health. One of the best online health flow charts on line is the Family Doctor Diagnotic Flow Charts which gives you a fair idea if that sore throat is just from a cold or if your tonsils need to be removed. It can give you guidelines on that tight feeling in your chest and tell you to go to the doctor immediately if it seems to be pneumonia or to the emergency room if it is a heart attack.
Generally, some medical conditions will require a swift trip to the emergency room that your insurance company won't argue with. Severe chest pains, uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, choking, burns, smoke inhalation, unconsciousness, a severe sharp pain in your lower right portion of your belly, a fever of over 103, blurred vision, severe head and neck pain, inability to move your limbs, paralysis, and broken bones should not be debated as to whether you should go to the nearest emergency room - DO IT NOW!!
Other conditions can be very serious and would warrant an immediate visit to your doctor or an emergency clinic. A severe cold or flu that has lasted longer than 2 weeks or with a fever between 101 - 103, a cough that produces greenish or yellowish spitum, a cut that doesn't seem to be healing, an allergic reaction such as hives, and so forth. Just make an appointment as soon as possible or see if there is an emergency clinic where you can walk in.
Almost everything else may be considered minor priority in the eyes of a doctor's staff, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. If it is causing you great discomfort or reason to worry, pursue it and get an answer so you can get relief.
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