In these tough economic times everyone is cutting back somewhere. One area where millions are cutting back or cutting out completely is health care. This a very alarming trend to healthcare professionals who fear that these cutbacks, especially in children and teens will result in a dangerous rise in future health problems that could have easily been avoided by checkups and early detection.

So what to do when finances and the need for costly health insurance or doctors visits don’t jive? Here are some suggested ideas for you to discuss with your doctor before you say adios to regular checkups. Remember that these are suggestions that should be approved by your doctor before you implement them.

Prevention may be one of the best medicines, especially when money is tight. Doctors agree that one of the most effective ways to cut costs is to have an appointment that establishes a baseline for your current health. Whether it’s your eyesight or your heart, if doctors have a place to start, they can more easily assess any future health problems and advise you about spreading out costly visits while maintaining good health.

Learn how to make your physical activities work for you. This may seem like an old song and dance to promote exercise, but it really can be beneficial to your health and save you money at the same time. For example, if you are prone to backaches, instead of letting aches and pains go until they are a major health concern, learn simple stretches that affect the muscles that ail you the most.

Find out which vitamins or foods will benefit your current state of health. While vitamins or supplements may seem like an additional expense, for many they are the answer to unexplained health problems and end up saving them hundreds of dollars over the cost of visits to a specialist and many tests.

Ask your doctor to recommend a timetable for checkups and exams that is safe for your health. Cost conscious recommendations for the most common tests are: Physicals can be taken once to get a baseline and then as recommended by your doctor according to your health. Gynecological exams should be done once a year. Have a mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 40. Have pap smears done every 2-3 years if the last 3 were normal and you’re in the same monogamous relationship. Dental exams can be done once a year if your gums are healthy. Check your blood pressure every 2 years as long as it stays normal. Every 5 years have your cholesterol checked if it stays at normal levels. Starting at age 50 a colonoscopy can be done every 10 years. A TDP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster should be given every 10 years. A skin cancer check can be done with self exams. Notify your doctor of any changes you detect. Eye exams can be done once between the ages of 20-29, twice between 30-39 and as recommended by your doctor after age 40.

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