twice a year, if they are at high risk for
cavities and gum disease, Hoff says.
The best time to schedule an appointment is in early spring, early summer or
late fall to avoid the back-to-school rush.
You may also want to schedule your visit
before December to avoid waiting rooms
crowded with patients seeking to use
their insurance benefit before year’s end,
Hoff says.
April
Allergy season begins this month in
most states and continues through fall. In
some states, allergy season can start as
early as February. Consider seeing an allergist before spring begins in your region. If
you take allergy medication, make sure
your prescription is up to date.
May
Smoking, high blood pressure and
heart disease can lead to a stroke. During
Stroke Awareness Month, familiarize yourself with the possible signs, as outlined by
the CDC:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in
the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speak-
ing or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness,
loss of balance or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no
known cause.
Call ;;; if you or someone you’re with
exhibits any of these signs.
June, July and August
Although it’s important to protect your
skin year-round, be sure to use sunblock
during the summer months. In addition,
familiarize yourself with water safety rules.
According to the American Red Cross,
you should always:
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Swim with a buddy, never alone.
• Supervise children near water.
Never leave young children alone near
water, and teach them to ask for permission to go near water.
• Wear a life jacket if you go boating.
September
This is the perfect month to schedule
your annual exam, because you can get
your flu shot during your visit, Hoff says.
It’s also a good time to determine if you
need to see any specialists or schedule any
health screenings before year’s end.
October
This is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Women who are age ;; or
older should talk with their physician
about when to schedule a mammogram.
All women should begin having yearly
mammograms by age ;; but, if they have
a family history of breast cancer, they want
to start screening sooner, according to the
American Cancer Society guidelines.
November
If you’re planning a second visit to the
dentist, schedule it this month before
waiting rooms get crowded with patients
looking to use their insurance and flexible
spending benefits.
December
If you haven’t yet received your flu
shot, the CDC says it’s not too late. Flu
season usually peaks from December to
February. C
Lisa Rabasca Roepe is a freelance journalist
based in Washington, D.C.
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