3 Healthcare Musts for Millennials

Publish date: 2024-08-12

By: Renown Wellness Team

May 09, 2022

Renown provider with a patient

Many millennials are fortunate to have good health, but it’s important to be prepared for your next doctor’s visit.

Here are three things that millennials should stay on top of for tracking and maintaining their health. For many millennials, doctor visits and preventive healthcare fall by the wayside. Alison Lynch, MD, a family medicine provider with Renown Medical Group says there are a few key things you can do now to set yourself up for a healthy future.

1. Establish with a Primary Care Provider

Millennials are more likely to go to urgent care or consult the internet when a healthcare issue arises. While these are helpful tools, here’s a better one: a primary care provider.

The benefit of establishing with a primary care provider is that your medical records, history and a baseline for your health will be documented. That means that when a problem or question comes up, your doctor will already have helpful information on file and can help you navigate your needs.

Having a primary care provider is often required for prescription refills and referrals to a specialist. By establishing now, you’ll be able to get what you need in the future much faster.

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2. Protect Yourself and Your Community

There are a few vaccinations and screenings that Dr. Lynch recommends for millennials.

Flu Shots: These are available every year and are recommended for protecting not only yourself against the flu but also others you may come into contact with. Flu shots are usually available from August through December through your healthcare provider, pharmacies and pop-up events.
Tetanus or Tdap: Most people receive a tetanus shot as a child, but it’s recommended that everyone get a booster every 10 years. If you are overdue, talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about getting updated.
Pap smear: If you’re a woman, a pap smear is recommended every three years in your 20s and every five years in your 30s.
HPV vaccine: This vaccine helps prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer as well as the majority of head and neck cancers and warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all genders up until age 45.
STD screening: Consider an STI/STD screening if you’re sexually active.

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3. Know Where to Find Your Medical Information

Medical records: Most practices and health systems require that you fill out a form to request your medical records. You can contact that office to inquire about their process. Renown Health has a medical records request form online for its patients.

Patient portals: Many health systems use an online patient portal website or app to help patients manage their healthcare information. If you have used a Renown Health location in the past, such as urgent care, lab or primary care visit, you will find information about that visit in MyChart.

Vaccination history: If you are unsure about your vaccination history, you may be able to look up records online. Nevada residents can visit Nevada WebIZ and use their personal information to locate their records.