Physician doing a checkup on a patient

Have You Gotten an Annual Check-up?

As a primary caregiver, it can be easy to focus all your attention on your loved ones. However, as you take on the challenge of administering medication, feeding, preparing meals, and taking care of your loved ones, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. In fact, many caregivers neglect their own well-being by not attending their annual check-ups.

The Importance Of Annual Check-Ups For Caregivers

In order to be an effective caregiver, you need to do your best to stay as healthy as possible. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to take care of your own health is to attend your annual check-ups. An annual check-up can have the following benefits to caregivers:

  • Stay ahead of your own health care needs — Annual check-ups give you the chance to stay ahead of any potential ailments. For example, during an annual check-up, your doctor will draw blood to check for any potential issue in your blood chemistry, immune system, liver, and kidneys.
  • Ensure that your vitals are healthy — As part of your annual check-up, your doctor will check your vitals. They will examine your ears, eyes, and listen to your breathing to ensure that you are healthy and capable of completing your caregiver duties.
  • Get your flu shot — The annual check-up is also a chance to ask your doctor about getting a flu shot. As a caregiver, you want to do your best to stay as healthy as possible – not only for your sake, but also for the sake of your loved one. Avoiding the flu at all costs is very important for caregivers of elderly loved ones.
  • Have an emotional, mental, and physical check-in with your doctor — Your annual check-up offers the perfect opportunity to have an emotional, mental, and physical check-in with your healthcare provider. You can discuss everything from your food choices to your level of daily exercise, to your emotional stressors. Your doctor can provide helpful advice so that you can continue to perform your caregiver duties to the best of your abilities.

Caregivers Rely On Atkinson’s Pharmacy

If your health deteriorates, you won’t be able to tend to the needs of your loved ones during the later stages of their lives. Fortunately, Atkinson’s Pharmacy is here to help reduce stress as you complete your caregiver responsibilities and set aside time to take care of your own physical, mental, and emotional health. From delivering medications right to your door to installing an in-home healthcare hub that will manage medication and instantly connect to a pharmacist, Atkinson’s Pharmacy is here to help. Contact a trusted team member today to discover how Atkinson’s Pharmacy can help you be an effective caregiver.