When you are young, you are taken to the doctor yearly for routine checkups and wellness visits to monitor your health and your growth, but as you age, you go to the doctor less and less, and probably only go when you are feeling ill or are injured. If you aren't going to the doctor regularly, nobody is monitoring your health, which means some health concerns could go unnoticed until it's too late. Read on for reasons why you should get regular wellness checks as you age.

To Monitor Your Vitals

Your vitals such as your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as your oxygen levels, are very important and should be monitored, especially as you age. If you aren't keeping a close eye on these, there could be health concerns that go unnoticed and untreated. If you have issues with your blood pressure, you could be setting yourself up for a heart attack and not have any idea it's coming. Your vitals need to be monitored, and your physician is the person that should be doing this.

To Keep An Eye On Your Weight

Your weight also needs to be monitored and kept an eye on. If your weight is fluctuating too much, it can be caused by another health concern. If you've lost too much weight, it could be due to a number of things. Rapidly gaining weight can also be caused by a medical condition. 

To Monitor Your Mental Health

Going to the doctor regularly can help monitor your mental health as well. Your mental health is very important, and if you are having any mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or are just feeling overwhelmed, you can talk to your doctor about these things. Your physician may refer you to a therapist or a psychologist, or your physician may prescribe you a medication that will help with your mental health.

To Monitor Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you aren't going to the doctor regularly and have a pre-existing medical condition, then you don't have anyone monitoring your condition at all. If you are taking medication, these medications and your health need to be monitored. Your medication may need to be adjusted over time, as your body will get used to the medicine you are on. Taking medication for a long period of time can also cause its own health concerns, so it's important to monitor these things.

As you age, your body is going to change and your health may not be what it once was. Go to your physician for a yearly checkup and keep up with your overall health.

If you don't have a physician, contact a local primary care center to learn about how to find one.