Your primary care provider plays a key role in your health

You should schedule checkups with your primary care provider (PCP) every year even when you feel well. These visits help you stay healthy so you can complete in Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) leagues and activities.

Get to know your PCP

Your PCP is the health care provider who knows you and helps keep you healthy. They see you for yearly checkups where they will offer health screenings, counseling and other preventive services. These services help your PCP diagnose any problems you have early when they often are easier to treat. They can also help you avoid health problems in the future. 

You can count on your PCP to answer your questions and give you advice about your health concerns, big or small. Your PCP can:

  • Check your risk for common conditions
  • Help you understand treatment options for your physical or behavioral health needs
  • Refer you to specialists

Your PCP can also talk with you about different areas of your life and offer helpful ideas. For example, they can give you tips to get ready for sports before the season starts, do  your best in games or competitions and stay in shape when the season ends.

Help with behavioral health

They can also talk with you about difficult feelings. Many people feel isolated, lonely, anxious or depressed. Your PCP can talk with you about your feelings and help you get support and treatment if needed. 

Be your best self

Seeing your PCP for yearly checkups is one of the secrets to good health. Your PCP can help you be as healthy as possible so you can be your best in competition and daily life.