A Year in Health: Top Reasons for Seeking Care at CHRISTUS in 2023
Reflecting on 2023, it's clear that specific health issues took center stage.
Understanding the prevalent conditions from the past year is more than just a recap—it’s your insight into potential risks for the upcoming year.
Armed with this knowledge, you can prioritize your health, schedule timely screenings, and adopt preventive measures.
Whether you need cancer treatment or routine primary care, this overview of the top reasons patients visited us in 2023 sets the stage for what to expect and how you can take charge of your well-being in 2024.
1. Screening Mammogram
A proactive approach to women's health took the lead in 2023, marked by many mammogram screenings.
This screening is an X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. These screenings play a crucial role in detecting and identifying abnormalities such as tumors or calcifications before they show symptoms.
By getting regular screenings, you ensure any signs of cancer are caught early.
Early detection through mammogram screenings significantly increases your chances of successful treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings in women’s health.
Regular mammograms are a key preventive measure, contributing to a proactive approach to breast health and your overall well-being.
At CHRISTUS Health, our providers are committed to providing you with comprehensive health care, including preventive measures that empower you to take control of your health.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Mammogram?
If you fall under any of the following categories, experts recommend receiving a mammogram.
- Are 40 or older
- Have a high risk of breast cancer
- Have a family history of breast cancer
Learn more about mammograms and your risk of breast cancer:
- Check Your Risk of Breast Cancer
- What to Expect at Your First Mammogram Appointment
- What it Means to Have a High Risk of Breast Cancer
2. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the main reasons people sought care at CHRISTUS Health in 2023.
Hypertension is high blood pressure that is not caused by another health condition.
If you have high blood pressure, you are not alone. In the United States, nearly half of all adults have hypertension.
Although common, this condition increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the US.
Recognizing the significance of managing this chronic condition, our health care providers offer personalized treatment plans, education, and support for patients with high blood pressure.
The following conditions and behaviors increase your risk for high blood pressure:
- Slightly elevated blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Consumption of tobacco or alcohol
- Family history of high blood pressure
If you think you may be at risk of high blood pressure, schedule an appointment with a CHRISTUS primary care doctor. They will help you prevent, diagnose, and manage high blood pressure.
Learn more about hypertension from CHRISTUS experts:
- Understanding Hypertension
- Preventive Cardiology: When Do You Need to See a Cardiologist?
- Cardiology and Your Heart Health
3. General Adult Medical Examination
The saying "prevention is better than cure" resonated with the consistent demand for general wellness exams at CHRISTUS Health in 2023.
Routine checkups are critical for identifying potential concerns early on, allowing for timely interventions and a proactive approach to your overall wellness. These exams are a cornerstone of our commitment to bring you exceptional health care that addresses both acute and preventive health care.
If you are at an average risk for overall health concerns, experts recommend an annual exam.
This provides an opportunity to evaluate your vital health indicators, discuss lifestyle factors, and tailor a personalized plan for maintaining your overall well-being. Regular checkups enable early detection of potential health issues and foster a collaborative relationship between you and your health care provider, empowering you to participate actively in your health journey.
An annual health exam typically consists of:
- Vitals check: Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, height, and weight
- Blood work or lab tests if needed
- Preventive health screenings
These tests will help your primary doctor detect potential health issues early on and recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Learn more about primary care:
4. Acute Upper Respiratory Infection
We ended the year with respiratory health as one of the top reasons patients visited a provider at CHRISTUS Health.
Upper respiratory infections are contagious illnesses affecting your nose, throat, and airways, commonly caused by viruses such as the flu or common cold.
Symptoms typically include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and sore throat. The challenges these common infections pose underscore the need for accessible and prompt health care.
Our providers leverage a combination of in-person and On Demand virtual care to address these concerns, ensuring that you receive timely attention and guidance for a fast recovery.
Learn more about upper respiratory infections:
5. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, were the fifth most common reason for seeking care at CHRISTUS Health in 2023.
A UTI is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Symptoms often include:
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Pain or burning during urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
In the US, 50-60 percent of women will have a UTI in their lifetime.
Our health care providers focus on providing accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of UTIs.
In addition, CHRISTUS On Demand Care provides a fast, convenient way to get treatment for a UTI, from the comfort of your own home.
Simply log in and meet with a health care provider in under 30 minutes. Our On Demand providers can diagnose your condition and prescribe medication, sent directly to your pharmacy if necessary.
Learn more about UTIs:
Ensure a healthier future by making proactive health care your top priority. As we step into the new year, prioritize your well-being with personalized and comprehensive care, including preventive screenings, expert chronic condition management, routine checkups, and responsive care for common ailments. Your journey to optimal health begins with proactive choices.