The Life of a Digital Nomad
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Approximately 70 percent of all U.S. deaths are linked to health issues that are preventable or highly treatable if you receive regular checkups. There are also countless other unnecessary risks that people take daily that could easily be avoided. By implementing the following routine checkups, you can potentially save your life or the life of a loved one.
Every year, 4 million people die prematurely from cancer. The good news is that if you begin getting regular cancer screenings, you can drastically reduce your risk of battling an advanced case of this medical condition. Anyone who has a family history of a specific type of cancer should get an annual screening, and there are also preventative screenings available for people based on their age, gender, and race. Be sure to consult with your doctor about the type of cancer screenings that would be most beneficial for you, and follow through as recommended to help avoid an unnecessary premature death.
When most people think about issues that could impact their eyes, they are likely to be primarily concerned with going blind. In reality, because your eyes are so complex in their anatomical structure, a routine eye examination can reveal a lot about your underlying health. For example, an eye exam can identify serious health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regardless of whether or not you have perfect vision, the average person should be getting their eyes tested once every two years. This is even more vital if you have a family history of any type of eye disease, as your risk factor will be increased.
Having a tire blowout is dangerous at any speed, but this potential danger becomes greatly exacerbated on the highway. After all, not only will you be traveling more quickly but there will also be a lot of fast-moving traffic that may be unable to avoid hitting your vehicle if it stops suddenly. Some experts indicate that approximately 400 deaths are caused in the U.S. each year by tire blowouts, so it is wise to avoid this problem with tire inspections. As a bonus, getting your tires rotated and inflated regularly will increase their life and decrease your vehicle’s gas consumption.
A serious gum infection can lead to several complications, and you could even die if you do not get assistance quickly enough. With this in mind, it makes sense to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. It is also important to note that gum disease can be shared via kissing, which means that going to the dentist regularly could save you and your partner a lot of pain in the future.
Your home or business undoubtedly passed a property inspection at some point, but when was the last time that you had the grounds thoroughly inspected? You may not realize it, but trip hazards and other problems can easily develop. If someone is injured or killed because your premises have become unsafe, you can be held legally accountable. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that you, a loved one, or a pet will end up getting injured or worse if hazards are not identified and repaired.
Tragically, suicide is the tenth leading cause of fatalities in the U.S., and 42,773 people took their own lives in 2014. Each of these deaths could have been prevented with proper access to mental health care, including depression screenings. If you have a family history of mental health problems, it is wise to undergo a depression screening at least once a year. This is especially vital if you begin feeling sad regularly. Keep in mind that many people suffer from depression for several weeks or months before they recognize what is happening. Be open about your family history with your physician so that they can help you stay mentally healthy and safe.
An annual vet visit is a good idea to ensure that your pet remains in good health, but getting into this habit can also personally benefit you and the other human members of your household. Dogs and cats can pass several potentially deadly illnesses to their two-legged friends, including rabies and Lyme disease. Fortunately, a veterinarian can identify and treat issues that might otherwise be passed to you.
According to OSHA, hundreds of people die each year as a result of using work equipment that is defective or improperly assembled. This makes it imperative for every piece of equipment you work with to be inspected regularly. If you are not given this opportunity, be sure to say something to your supervisor. It is against OSHA regulations for equipment to not be properly maintained and inspected, so your employer has a legal obligation to follow through on any complaints.
Sudden weight loss or gain is often one of the body’s first indicators that something is seriously wrong. Therefore, if you weigh yourself weekly, it will be easy to determine if something unusual appears to be happening to your weight. Many diseases are often accompanied by unexpected weight loss, including parasitic infections, Parkinson’s disease, depression, tuberculosis, HIV, and leukemia. Many people first discover an issue because their weight changes rapidly, but you may not notice this symptom quickly enough without weekly weigh-ins.
Sudden changes to your skin could be indicative of the early stages of melanoma, so you should set aside some time once a month to do a self-inspection of your skin. Any changes in the surface of an existing mole or the spread of pigmentation should be closely monitored and reported to your doctor. Just like every other type of cancer, early detection and treatment will greatly increase your chances of making a complete recovery.
Aside from utilizing the previously listed 10 tips, it is also necessary to be aware that your specific medical checkup needs will change based on your age. Make sure that you discuss these changing needs with your physician to ensure that you get exactly what you need on time.
Featured photo credit: Conor Lawless via flickr.com
