Refuting Skipping Routine Checkups

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Refuting Skipping Routine Checkups

(Refuting Skipping Routine Checkups)

For this activity, you will practice engaging in argumentation by refuting an argument published in the New York Times about skipping yearly routine doctor visits

Engaging in argumentation

1. Identify the Core Argument

  • Premise: The article in the New York Times argues that skipping yearly routine doctor visits may be acceptable, citing reasons such as the cost of healthcare, the potential for unnecessary treatments, or a belief that patients can monitor their health without frequent medical checkups.
  • Thesis: The main claim likely suggests that the benefits of skipping routine checkups (e.g., cost-saving, reducing unnecessary treatments) outweigh the potential risks.

2. Refute the Argument

a) Challenge the Assumption of Cost-Effectiveness

  • While it’s true that medical visits can be costly, the long-term cost savings from preventative care (e.g., early detection of chronic conditions, screening for diseases like cancer, or monitoring ongoing conditions like hypertension) can actually save money.
  • Evidence: Studies have shown that regular check-ups can help reduce the need for more expensive emergency care or hospitalizations later on by catching health problems early.

b) Counter the Claim of Unnecessary Treatments

  • The idea that routine doctor visits lead to unnecessary treatments is often overstated. Many of these treatments or tests are preventive measures, such as vaccinations or screenings, which help in detecting health issues before they become serious or expensive.
  • Evidence: Research from organizations like the CDC or the World Health Organization supports the role of regular checkups in improving long-term health outcomes.

c) Emphasize the Role of Preventive Health Care

  • Preventive healthcare is essential to reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving quality of life. Skipping these visits could lead to conditions worsening before being noticed, increasing the risk of severe complications or costly interventions.
  • Evidence: According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), regular screenings and checkups for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers can significantly lower mortality rates.

d) Challenge the Assumption that Individuals Can Adequately Monitor Their Health

  • While individuals may feel they can manage their health, many health issues, especially chronic diseases, have no symptoms in the early stages. Doctors are trained to detect signs that may go unnoticed by a layperson.
  • Example: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers often show no symptoms but can be detected through routine exams.

3. Conclusion

  • The practice of skipping yearly doctor visits may seem financially attractive in the short term, but the long-term health implications and potential cost increases due to undiagnosed conditions should not be overlooked. Preventive care, even in its basic form of yearly checkups, can ultimately save lives and reduce overall healthcare expenses.
 
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