The Doctor Will See You Now

No time to see the doctor?

It’s a common excuse for letting symptoms of potential health problems slide for too long, or for postponing routine health tests and checkups.

Of course, just because it’s common to put off making that appointment doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.

Those routine tests could catch health problems in the early stages, before they escalate. And early treatment of the symptoms your employees keep trying to ignore might just save their lives.

Sure, it’s a challenge to squeeze in doctors’ visits when you’re already balancing a full day’s work, family and home obligations, and (hopefully) a daily exercise routine.

But, remind your staff members that when their health and maybe even their lives are at stake, it’s a challenge that is well worth accepting.

If company policy requires them to use sick leave for the time they’ll be out of the office, be lenient about it, as everyone knows how it is to get stuck in a crowded waiting room.

Regardless of what prompted the need to see the doctor, those appointments can be stressful. Offer your employees a few tips on getting the most out of their physician visits and making the experience go smoothly.

CNN.com offers these suggestions: