Introduction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visits to primary care physicians account for over half of all annual walk-in visits. Pediatricians, OBG, family medicine, and internal medicine doctors are the most common types of primary care physicians. They are educated to treat a wide range of conditions and to organise patient health care in a single location. You can see your primary care physician to address a wide range of health issues, from physical to emotional and mental. Regular visits and routine tests are essential for primary care physicians to effectively manage a patient’s chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. In addition, a primary care physician will coordinate all of your healthcare requirements by referring you to specialists as needed.
Most common reason to visit a doctor
Skin and subcutaneous diseases
Acne, cysts, and dermatitis are examples of skin problems. While skin problems most commonly affect kids aged under 18 years and adults are afflicted as well. In fact, adult acne accounts for 20% of all occurrences. While the occasional pimple is unavoidable, you may take precautions to keep your skin healthy. For example, to keep your pores clean, avoid touching your face throughout the day and take a shower after exercising. Use fragrance-free soaps and cleansers, and maintain the moisture of your skin.
Osteoarthritis and joint pain
One-third of all adults suffer joint pain. Joint pain can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in the elderly, and its incidence frequently increases with age. While osteoarthritis can affect every joint in your body, it is most commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Preserving joint function requires staying active, eating healthy, and maintaining body weight. When exercising, aim to incorporate low-impact exercises such as the elliptical machine and swimming, as high-impact workouts such as running can worsen joint pain. If you have pain, apply ice to the affected area to reduce tissue swelling and give your body time to rest and recover.
Upper respiratory tract
Upper respiratory issues can occur at any time of year, but they are more common in the monsoon. The nose, sinuses, and throat are all part of the upper respiratory system. Congestion, face pain or pressure, a runny or stuffy nose, a cough, and a sore throat are common symptoms. Wash hands frequently, avoid sharing food and drinks with others, and avoid smoking to maintain the immune system. Wearing a face mask while sneezing or coughing also inhibits the spread of germs.
Mental problem
Millions of Malaysian are affected by mental health illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression every year. Mental health illnesses can be difficult to manage and are common causes of doctor visits. Although genetics and the environment have a role in the development of certain mental health disorders, stress management and regular, modest exercise are able to promote good mental health. While suffering from anxiety or depression, talk to someone you trust and express your feelings. Do not be ashamed to seek assistance.
Headache
Headaches can be pains in any part of the head. Migraines are a form of headache that causes recurring throbbing pain on one side of the head. It might continue for hours or days and can produce nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity. Although the causes of headache and migraine can be difficult to explain, some common triggers are stress, sensory inputs, weather changes, and alcohol. Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, and dietary additives, such as aspartame, have also been identified as possible triggers. Furthermore, keeping a normal sleep pattern, obtaining regular exercise, and avoiding stress can help to minimise the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
Neurological problems
Diseases affecting the brain, spine, and the nerves that connect them are referred to as neurological disorders. There are hundreds of neurological illnesses, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy. Many neurological diseases cannot be avoided, there are activities that can be practiced to maintain overall brain health, which may help reduce or delay the progression of certain neurological conditions. Keeping your brain engaged by doing puzzles, word games, or reading, are some good examples. Eating a nutritious diet, being socially active, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep can also help keep your mind sharp.
Chronic diseases
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia are the most common diseases Malaysian suffer over years. The main causes are the lifestyle, diet and genetic factors which lead to such prevalence. These are the risks for heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, as well as raise the chance of developing blood clot, thrombus. These can be prevented by consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and avoiding oily, fried and canned food. Being physically active, avoiding cigarette use, and maintaining optimum body weight can all assist to support heart health.
Conclusion
While environmental and genetic variables play a role in disease development, adopting a healthy lifestyle now can be beneficial for good health. Furthermore, effective basic care can help prevent any diseases from worsening. Find out if your workplace has an on-site clinic for primary care and take advantage of it, routine health check and be clear of your doubts is a wise move to maintain good health as well.
