Prepare for your visit with the following questions and checklist.
You can help your primary care provider be an advocate for your health by being prepared with your medical history. Below are some questions that you can write down and bring with you to your first doctor’s visit.

Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do to help you feel your best every day. Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in managing your health. Seeing them for regular preventive care ensures you are up to date on recommended screenings and immunizations. They can also catch health issues early before they become harder to treat. Preventive care, including an annual well visit, cancer screenings, and adult immunizations, are covered in full by your health insurance.

What is a Primary Care Provider? A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a health care professional who cares for both routine and chronic health needs. They are an advocate for your health. They take care of you when you are sick, ensure you get the preventive care you need, and help you manage any conditions you have. They also counsel you on how to stay healthy or get healthier.

Seeing a PCP regularly is important for many reasons, at any age and even when people are healthy. If you need help finding a primary care provider, use the Find a Doctor tool at https://www.excellusbcbs.com/find-a-doctor.

1. The length of my cough isn't that important. One of the most common misconceptions is that the sound of a cough is the only thing that matters. However, contrary to popular belief, the duration of a cough is often more important in determining the severity of the underlying condition. There are three different types of coughs based on duration:

1. Acute cough: Typically lasts less than 3 weeks. These are often associated with short-lived illnesses.
2. Subacute cough: Typically lasts 3-8 weeks. They sometimes hint at an unresolved infection or post-viral syndrome.
3. Chronic cough: Lasts more than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Chronic coughs can indicate an underlying issue, like asthma or allergies.

2. A scary-sounding cough? Must be serious! Sometimes, a cough can sound scary. But don't judge a book by its cover. A loud cough doesn't always mean something terrible or indicate a severe underlying condition. While a cough can be a vital symptom in determining the underlying issue, it should always be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms.

3. I haven't coughed; I must be fine! It's easy to think that if you're not coughing, you're not sick. But that's not always true. Some common adult and adolescent illnesses, like strep throat, mononucleosis, roseola, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, don't usually come with a cough. Remember, diseases can show up in different ways – and sometimes, coughs develop later.

MD Live is outlining 4 reasons why you might be too tired this fall: 

1. Summer sleep schedules
   
2. Dehydration
3. Lacking key nutrients
4. Not practicing self-care
   

Click here to read about how to fight fatigue this fall. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a good time to check in on your mental health.
Take a free mental health test at mhascreening.org.