MAHOMET, Ill. (WAND) — As the new year gets underway, health care providers across central Illinois are encouraging people to make their health a priority by scheduling annual wellness exams and staying up to date on screenings.
At Two Roads Wellness Clinic, leaders said routine visits can catch health problems early, often before symptoms ever appear.
“What makes these annual visits so important is that you’re addressing things earlier instead of waiting until they become a big problem,” said Ted Nemecz, chief financial officer at Two Roads Wellness Clinic. “You’ve got to take care of yourself. Don’t skip your doctor’s appointment.”
He said the start of the year is a natural time for people to refocus on their health after the busy holiday season.
“Everybody’s getting back to work, back to school, back into their routine,” Nemecz said. “Part of that routine needs to be making sure you’re taking care of your health.”
That message is especially critical in rural communities, where access to hospitals and specialty care can be limited. Nemecz said delays in care can be costly when the nearest hospital may be 20 to 45 minutes away.
“That’s a lot of time for something to go wrong,” Nemecz said. “Getting in annually allows you to catch issues earlier than if they just rear their head one day.”
Older adults and seniors are another group that providers say should not put off routine care. Many seniors face care gaps due to mobility challenges or limited access to technology, making preventive visits even more important.
During annual wellness exams, providers often review medical history, perform blood work and assess risk factors for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Nemecz said Two Roads Wellness Clinic offers advanced testing to help tailor care plans to individual patients.
“We try to take the whole picture into account, and then custom-tailor the treatment plan to that individual,” Nemecz said.
In addition to physical health, providers are also urging people to pay attention to their mental health, especially during the winter months.
To learn more about Two Roads Wellness Clinic, click here.
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