Taking care of your health should be the number one priority. It sounds obvious, but when it comes down to it, there are often several factors that get in the way. Good, reliable healthcare rarely comes at a price that many can afford, and on top of that, many people who are in search of the attaining that American dream that is dangled in front of us from birth are often too busy trying to reach it to really take adequate care of themselves. Regular health checkups should be a priority, but at the very least, you should know your local emergency room number, should something arise that cannot be put off until a more convenient or affordable time.

Have the local emergency room number on hand
Of course, if you are living in the United States, most people know to call 911 in the face of a real emergency. But sometimes, as life is unpredictable, we run into situations that require the use of an emergency room number. There are medical problems that are serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, but that might not be quite severe enough to enlist the help of 911 services. In many such cases, individuals can get to the ER. There are also situations that warrant the use of an emergency room number if you are not the one in need of help. For example, one may need to call the ER for medical advice that they themselves would be able to administer. In every case, having the right number to call on hand is important.

Taking the steps and being informed
The very first steps that you can take in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of yourself and your family is to get informed. Get to know your local doctors, the locations of medical offices, after hours urgent care centers, and hospitals, and any other treatment or physical therapy centers and clinics that might apply to your needs. After you have compiled a list of contact information, make initial visits so that your primary care physician can get to know you and your medical history. Speak with a financial planner if you are worried about the costs, and examine different insurance plans to see what will fit for you.

Naturally you will want the best doctors to care for you or your loved ones when there is need for medical help, so finding the right one is important. Most importantly, do not neglect your routine visits. They are recommended for a reason, and you could be pleasantly surprised at the hassle and pain that can be avoided by regular checkups. Lastly, do not ignore what your body tries to tell you. Pain and discomfort are the body’s way of communicating, and it is best to listen.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy
About 40% or more of people who suffer from lower back pain, specifically of the long term sort, do not visit a doctor, physical therapist, or specialist. Many people believe that it will go away with time, or that it is simply something to be endured. But that pain can be an indicator of something more serious, and sometimes there can even be a simple remedy. You won’t know for sure until you talk to your doctor.

You’re not alone
There are plenty of people who’d rather not make that trip to the doctor’s office, but in the end it’s always worth it. If something is plaguing you and you’re not sure the source of the issue, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If it is after the normal operating hours of your doctor’s office, find an urgent care. About 85% of these centers are open every day of the week, and many can provide much of the same services as a hospital or emergency room, such as fracture care. Even a bout of dizziness could be easily remedied by a quick visit to the doctor. In fact dizziness has been noted to be the second most common issue that a doctor hears from patients, and unfortunately about 70% of the population across the country will experience it at some point.

Don’t forget that your health is what is important. Take care of it.