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Many people don't know when they should visit their doctor. On the one hand, you don't want to see a doctor for a minor ailment, such as a cold. On the other hand, you really want to see a doctor before you end up with a more serious health problem. Here is a list of reasons why you might want to consult with your primary care doctor in the near future. When You Can't Sleep There are a lot of reasons why you might not get the rest you need. It could be that worries and stresses are keeping you up at night, but it could actually be health-related, too. Whether a medication is interfering with your sleep or the root cause is something entirely different can often be determined by your regular physician. When You Have Gastrointestinal Problems Everybody can have an upset stomach occasionally. This can be caused by overeating or eating foods that you just don't tolerate well. However, there is a difference between an occasional upset stomach and frequent gastrointestinal problems. If you are suffering from repeated or prolonged indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, stomachaches, or similar complaints, then you should really make an appointment with your doctor. The cause could be anything from a stomach bug to allergies or a more serious disease. But as with every other problem, the sooner you find out what it is, the sooner you can do something about it. When You Need a Checkup Have you been to the doctor within the last 12 months? If you haven't, then you might want to make an appointment for a physical. A regular checkup is important in order to make sure that you're healthy. You owe it to yourself to take care of your body. During a regular checkup, your doctor might also want to order some blood work to get a better idea of what's going on with your body. Routine examinations and tests like these often help prevent serious problems down the road. When You're Feeling Sick Feeling sick is never fun. In fact, there is no such thing as a good illness. Fortunately, you can count on your doctor to diagnose your illness and prescribe medication that will make you feel better. However, in order for this to happen, you need to make an appointment. You shouldn't wait until you feel really bad to call your doctor, either. And if you're ever in doubt whether to go to the doctor or not, it's probably better to err on the side of caution. When Something Is Not Right Whether you're just feeling more tired than usual or achy all over, it's not always easy to pinpoint what is really wrong with you. It's a good idea to listen to those feelings and hunches though, because they're the first indicator when something is wrong. A good doctor will take you seriously, and together you can figure out what the problem is. Do You Need a Doctor? If you don't actually have a primary doctor, then that's all the more reason to go to the doctor. It's best not to wait until you're really sick to find a new doctor. Most of the time, doctors don't see new patients quickly and reserve emergency appointments for existing patients. You can use your next annual checkup to find a new primary care doctor in your area. This is also a good time to ask questions about your health, get routine blood work done, and find out what the protocol is when you're sick. Your doctor may have a special number for you to call after hours, too.
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