Page 146 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2021

WHEN TO SEE A
story by Luke Height
Have you ever noticed people say, “I’ve been having this problem with my knee and it just won’t go away,” or, “I’ve been congested for weeks now?” Friends, family members and co-workers will often reach out to their peers with this type of statement. The response to these statements is always the same: “You should go see a doctor.”
It’s strange that other people are always telling us when it’s time to go see
a doctor. Do we not see the signs ahead of time? Are we unaware of when it’s the right time to see a doctor? Possibly. If we don’t know when to consult professional help, at least we have companions that will lead us in the proper direction, right?
When it comes to our livelihood, the stakes are too high to mess around and let our health deteriorate before doing something about it. Instead, we can look for the signs that point towards needing the assistance of a doctor.
A few scenarios where help from a doctor is needed include allergies, flu and severe pain. The symptoms of each are similar yet varied, making it hard to decipher when is the right time to go visit a doctor. Knowing what symptoms necessitate the visit is very important.
If you have the flu, some of the symptoms are: fever, chills, sore throat, headache, achy muscles and general fatigue. If you have allergies, some of the symptoms may include: itching, rash, asthma, swelling and runny nose. If you have severe pain, the causes and symptoms are much broader. If the pain is in the chest or heart area, you should get checked immediately or even consider heading to the emergency room if the pain persists. In a variety of other cases, it is best to make an appointment to consult a physician that will properly assess the situation and find a viable solution.
In any case of uncertainty when it comes to health it is important to see a physician that you know and trust. Physicians have the expertise and means to start alleviating the problem and returning you to better health. The question is not, “Why should I see a doctor?” the question is, “Why not?”
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
146 | June 2021