It’s often far too easy to ignore the ailments you might regularly face. You might think you need to “toughen up” or that you can work through the pain or discomfort. Or, maybe you don’t want to deal with the hassle of going to a doctor. You might be nervous about the results, the treatment, or even how to pay for it.
But, whether you have a chronic illness or an injury that keeps flaring up, paying more attention to your needs is incredibly important.
Feeling pain, discomfort, or anything that might seem “off” is your mind and body working together to tell you something crucial. When you choose to ignore those feelings, you could be putting yourself at risk. If you already have an injury or illness, that risk includes making things much worse! You may end up getting to the point where you end up in an emergency, rather than just being able to go to your family doctor.
Still not convinced?
Let’s take a closer look at why you should pay more attention to any injuries or illnesses that keep nagging at you, and why it’s dangerous to ignore your symptoms.
The Long-Term Risks
There are several long-term risks associated with different injuries and illnesses that you should be aware of. These risks vary, of course, depending on the injury or condition you’re dealing with. But, the most important thing you can do is look for signs your body is trying to give you that something is wrong.
For example, if you were in a car accident or other traumatic physical event, you might not instantly notice any signs of injuries. Delayed symptoms aren’t uncommon, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Numbness
It’s easy to think that these symptoms are just your body “getting over” the accident or event, but they could be signs of anything from internal bleeding to head trauma or nerve damage. If you don’t get checked out by a medical professional, those issues could quickly become worse and lead to permanent, long-term damage.
If you have an illness or chronic condition, it’s equally important to make sure you’re paying attention to your symptoms. You might think that a “flare-up” is nothing to worry about. But, they usually happen for a reason.
For instance, if you’re a diabetic and you start to experience symptoms like fatigue, confusion, a change in your senses, or even convulsions, you could be having a diabetic attack or going into shock. That isn’t something you should try to get through on your own. Paying attention to the symptoms sooner, rather than later, can help you avoid long-term consequences.
It’s Easier Than Ever to Get Medical Attention
Thanks to advancements in technology, you may not even have to go anywhere to get the medical attention you need. That’s especially helpful for people with chronic illnesses who need to follow-up with their doctors regularly.
If you live in an area that doesn’t make it easy to get medical attention, you’re worried about your immune system in public places, or you simply don’t like going to the doctor’s office, technology can help.
Telehealth has grown in popularity in recent years, but it saw a huge boom throughout the pandemic. It allows doctors to connect with patients through platforms like:
- Virtual appointments
- Online patient portals
- Remote patient monitoring
There are many benefits to telehealth, including being able to get the care you need from your own home. Granted, some things should be done in-person. But, if you have questions or concerns, this is a great option for talking with your healthcare provider first, before it’s decided whether you should seek further treatment. When you can check in from home, there’s no reason to ever ignore the signs or symptoms of an injury or illness.
Your Health Should Be a Priority
If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it’s that you should never take your health and wellness for granted. If you’ve got an existing condition or you’ve recently been injured, don’t take your health for granted. Even if you feel “okay” most of the time but your symptoms flare up once in a while, you owe it to yourself to make sure you’re okay.
When you start focusing on your overall health, you’ll pick up on some everyday habits that can keep you safe. In a post-COVID world, that might include things like:
- More frequent hand-washing
- Social distancing
- Quarantining when you’re sick
- Exercising
It also should involve paying attention to your body regularly and taking note of anything that feels painful or abnormal. When you commit to taking better care of yourself, it involves both preventative care and practical steps toward treating injuries and illnesses. Keep yourself as healthy as possible, and listen to what your body is trying to tell you.
