Allamiaqan muskuvet assikekngaten piugngaciaqaten.
Regular health care visits keep you doing what you love.
Check in with your provider annually.
Falling behind on checkups can impact your health.
Regular health care visits help you prevent diseases by taking care of cancer screenings, managing your prescriptions, and staying up to date on routine vaccinations. These activities are less time-consuming and less expensive than treating disease and its complications, allowing you to stay healthy and keep doing the things you love.
Don’t wait for something to feel “off” to meet with your provider. Detecting cancer before it spreads helps avoid invasive treatments and potentially having to put your life on hold. Colon cancers and breast cancers are health concerns for Alaska Native people. Both have better treatment outcomes when they are caught early. Late-stage cancer diagnoses are harder to treat.
Chronic health conditions can be more easily managed when you see your health care provider and get your prescriptions refilled in advance of when you need them. Routine adult vaccinations, such as those that protect against tetanus or seasonal flu, help avoid preventable diseases that can be serious and can cause long-term health problems.
Regular health screenings can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options. Be there for your family and community in the long run.
Make your appointment today
Regular screenings and check-ins can help you stay on track with your health and keep doing what you love!
Or in Bethel, call 907-543-6442.
Your Annual Physical
Here’s what you can expect from your appointment.
At your annual check up, your provider will ask you questions about your health history and collect basic details such as weight, height and vital signs at your annual check up. At that time, they may order additional tests to ensure you can both understand and plan for your health.
If you are due for any cancer screenings, your provider will place a referral in your medical record so you can schedule them at a time convenient to you. If you need prescription refills, your provider will send the order to the pharmacy.
You should leave with a good understanding of any follow up that is needed.
Colon Cancer
Alaska Natives in the YK Delta are about 2.5 times more likely to have colon cancer than other adults in the U.S. Luckily, there are effective tests to discover colon and rectal cancers early. Screenings should start at age 40—or earlier for people with a family history of colon cancer. If colon cancer is treated before it spreads, the survival rate is high. So, don’t skip this health check!
Breast Cancer
Getting a mammogram to screen for breast cancer should be part of a woman’s regular health care program. Alaska Native women should undergo annual breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent screening. Early detection of breast cancer leads to better outcomes.
Routine Vaccinations
Adults need routine vaccinations to help protect against flu, tetanus, shingles and other diseases that can cause long-term health problems. Your provider can help check you are current with all recommended vaccines and address any questions or concerns you have.
Prescription Refills
Consistent medication use is critical for your ability to continue your day to day activities. If you are near the end of your current prescription, schedule a check up with your provider today so you can get your prescription refilled. It’s important to your health that you do not stop taking prescriptions unless your doctor or pharmacist directs you to.