Avoid These 5 Common Health Mistakes: Advice from a Primary Care Provider

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February 17, 2025

Taking care of your health isn’t just about visiting the doctor when you feel sick—it’s about making smart, everyday choices that prevent illness and improve your well-being. Unfortunately, many people make common health mistakes that can have long-term consequences. As primary care providers, we see these issues often and want to help you avoid them!

1. Ignoring Preventive Care

Many people only visit the doctor when something is wrong, but preventive care is key to staying healthy. Annual wellness visits, screenings, and routine blood tests can detect health issues before they become serious.

What to do instead: Schedule an annual check-up with your primary care provider. Many insurance plans cover these visits at no cost to you!

2. Not Managing Stress Properly

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can lead to high blood pressure, digestive issues, weakened immunity, and even heart disease.

What to do instead: Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing. If stress feels overwhelming, talk to your provider about mental health support options.

3. Skipping Sleep to Get More Done

Sleep is essential for your body to recover and function properly. A lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.

What to do instead: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a nighttime routine, avoid screens before bed, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

4. Avoiding Routine Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checks

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often called "silent killers" because they don’t cause symptoms until serious damage has occurred.

What to do instead: Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly, even if you feel fine. Early detection can help prevent heart disease and stroke.

5. Relying on the Internet for Medical Advice

While the internet is a great resource, self-diagnosing can be risky. Misinterpreting symptoms or delaying proper treatment can make a condition worse.

What to do instead: If you have health concerns, consult a licensed medical professional rather than relying solely on online searches. Your primary care provider can give you personalized, accurate guidance.

Take Control of Your Health Today!

Avoiding these common health mistakes can help you live a longer, healthier life. Need to schedule a check-up or discuss a health concern?

Call Corner Clinic Primary Care today to book an appointment with a trusted primary care providers!