Do you know you need to see your family physician in South Jordan at least once a year? You don’t have to do it only when you or your children are sick. It needs to be consistent or regular. The problem is many don’t do it for a variety of reasons.
Perhaps these new studies will inspire you to include a visit to the GP as soon as possible in the family calendar:
1. Giving Birth May Increase the Risk of Hypertension and Heart Disease
As if giving birth isn’t frightening enough, a new study suggests it may make mothers susceptible to heart disease or hypertension. The risks go as high as 14% compared to women who never gave birth.
The meta-analysis now published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology also showed an increased risk of 4% for every birth.
The study didn’t include the cause and effect. The researchers, though, believe the explanation is a complex one. First, pregnancy may result in a body inflammation. Women may also tend to build fat deposits around the abdomen, which is commonly associated with chronic diseases. Pregnancy also pushes the heart to work harder.
A family doctor can help keep track of the women’s health long after giving birth. They can also provide guidelines that can reduce the risks, which include embracing a healthier lifestyle.
2. Sufficient Sleep and Age-Appropriate Bedtime May Reduce Teen Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some alarming statistic about childhood and teen obesity. The rate has already tripled since the 1970s.
Children who are overweight or obese may develop heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension significantly earlier than the healthier ones. Some studies also report the future generation may live shorter than their parents.
One of the primary goals of a family doctor is to help the children maintain the proper weight. A possible solution is keeping track of the length and quality of their sleep.
A study by Penn State showed those who had an age-appropriate bedtime and enough sleep when they were 5 to 9 years old were less likely to have a higher body mass index by the time they reach 15 years old.
3. Going to a Primary Care Clinic Can Help Fight Childhood Obesity
In case a child turns out to be obese or overweight, what should you do? Some parents may bring them to a specialist. A study in Acta Paeditrica revealed it might not be necessary. They can get some good results from a primary care or outpatient clinic.
In the study, the researchers focused on children and their guardians who had to follow a plan covering nutrition, sleep, and weight. They then followed them up after three years of stopping the treatment. They learned that three out of ten children fell in a lower weight category than when they started. In other words, they didn’t only lose the weight, but they’re able to extend the benefit for more than two years.
It’s time to stop taking your family doctor for granted. These studies can show these physicians are your best partners in ensuring your loved ones are healthy and happy.
