Among school drop-offs, cooking, work, and what always appears to be never-ending laundry piles, time for personal checkups always seems like a fantasy. But checkups are as essential as the seemingly never-ending task list on the family calendar. With some planning ahead, making health appointments and calling those dreaded doctor’s offices need not be so overwhelming and more manageable.
Why Your Health Comes First Too
It’s simple enough to let personal care take a back seat when everyone else in your life seems to need attention first. But skipping those regular checkups or letting little issues become big ones by putting them off doesn’t serve anyone. Taking care of your health is a matter of having more energy, patience, and strength for all the tugs and pulls of family life. It’s like preventive maintenance — the same reason the car gets serviced so it will keep going as well as it will.
Streamline Scheduling with a Plan Before Making Health Appointments
The initial challenge is often even before sitting in a waiting room: time. A bit of preparation makes a big difference.
- Choose appointment times that fit naturally around family commitments. Early morning appointments before school or lunchtime appointments can ease stress.
- Book check-ups and follow-up appointments six months ahead of time. Most offices these days allow you to schedule online, which spares you the inconvenience of calling during the day.
- Schedule visits together whenever possible. If your primary care physician and dentist are in close proximity, schedule back-to-back appointments for the same day.
- Use reminders. Cell phone reminders or a wall calendar that’s easy to read display all schedules and prevent last-minute scrambles.
A planned calendar not only reminds you but also makes sure that the family understands that mom’s health is non-negotiable.
Make Technology Work for You
Modern technology now makes it easier than ever to keep track of one’s health. Patient portals in most clinics are also available where you can also schedule, reschedule, and even see results without holding on the phone. E-prescription software is also a life changer that has done away with the need to go pick up paper scripts or stand in line at the physician’s office. With prescriptions coming directly to the pharmacy, time saved can be spent on something more pleasant — or even just a well-deserved coffee break.
Alleviate Stress with Simple Comforts
For some, the hint of a health appointment brings an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Standing in a waiting room can feel like time lost, especially when the mind is busy with the day’s lengthy agenda. Carrying a small bag of comfort items can turn wasted time into a calming moment of silence.
- Bring a book or catch a podcast.
- Keep a bottle of water and a healthy snack handy.
- Put on something comfortable but still put-together, so you can get the confidence boost throughout the day.
- Keep a small notebook handy to jot down questions for the physician — and answers, too.
Seeing time as a break rather than an obstacle can shift the attitude.
Don’t Forget the Dentist When Making Health Appointments
Daily oral care will fall by the wayside, but it is as important as a checkup for your health. Small issues like a cracked tooth or a needed dental crown, if they are left alone, can become much bigger — and expensive — issues. Cleanings and checkups every six months keep smiles bright and prevent future emergencies.
Lean on Your Support System
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If necessary, switch pick-ups for trade school with another mother, or let the dad cook one night, just as an example. A little help makes it easier to make health a priority. Everyone pitches in when the whole family is involved, and it helps drive the point home that mom’s health matters, too.
Reaching for ways to make health appointments not be such a hassle and more a matter of self-respect is something worth pursuing. Minor changes in how they’re done can keep everything — and everyone — moving just a little more efficiently.
