Finding a doctor can be a stressful time. Whether you are looking for a new physician because you have moved across the country or across town, or whether you are looking because your doctor has changed from a private practice to working for the state and has now moved out of your insurance network, the change requires careful consideration.

Even though it can be time consuming, finding a doctor is something you need to do sooner rather than later. It does not make sense to wait until your high blood pressure, thyroid and cholesterol medication prescriptions expire. Instead, searching for a new doctor should be a priority as soon as you find out it is necessary.

Patients who are receiving treatment for blood pressure and cholesterol need to be especially deligent in finding someone for regular healthcare. Consider the following health statistics:

• 600,000 people die of heart disease in the America every year — that’s one in every four deaths.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
• 50% of patients who suffer their first heart attack have a “normal cholesterol” value.
• More people die of heart disease than of AIDS and all cancers combined.
• Every 33 seconds someone in America dies from cardiovascular disease.

The importance of routine check ups and preventative medicine make finding a doctor you feel confident with is a key to a healthy lifestyle. For example, estimated 50 to 70 million American adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder. A good sleep and rest routine is important to leading a healthy life. If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from a sleeping disorder, having a doctor who you regularly see if important. Sleeplessness is not a condition that will send you to the emergency room, so keeping annual check-up appointments while provide the opportunity to discuss this condition.

Likewise, one in three Americans are obese. This is another condition that will not send you to the hospital or emergency room. The condition of being overweight, however, can lead to many other health risks. Health risks that routine office visits with a family physician could monitor. Did you know that since 1988, the average male in America has gained over 17 pounds? The average female has gained about 15.5 pounds. Alarmingly, if this weight gain trend continues, almost 43% of Americans will be obese by the year 2018. Without regular doctor visits, this condition of being overweight could lead to even more national problems with heart disease and blood pressure.

Seeking treatment and care through outpatient services and, if needed, outpatient surgery is a way to occasionally handle unexpected health concerns. Regular visits to a family [physician, however, is a better approach to the health of you and your family.