Ask a doctor: What symptoms do patients overlook--and why spring is the right time to check in

Dr. Yeseo Han, Family Medicine

Q: What do you wish more patients understood about the symptoms they ignore and when’s a good time to take action?

A: One of the most important things I try to help patients understand is you don’t need a dramatic or alarming symptom to benefit from primary care. Many of the things people live with every day—such as persistent fatigue, frequent heartburn, disrupted sleep, shortness of breath with routine activity, ongoing headaches, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight changes—are often brushed off as stress, aging, or “just how life is.” Sometimes they are. But sometimes they’re early signals that something deeper is going on.

I also see people normalize behaviors that shouldn’t be normal, like taking antacids or pain relievers daily, feeling constantly run-down, or assuming brain fog and mood changes are unavoidable. These patterns matter. Primary care is about recognizing trends over time and addressing small issues before they become bigger ones.

Spring is an especially good time to come in because it naturally lends itself to a reset. Think of spring cleaning for your health. Schedules tend to be more predictable, people are thinking about being more active, and it’s a great moment to take stock of your health before summer travel and busy routines begin. From a medical standpoint, spring visits allow us to review preventive screenings, check blood pressure and labs, update vaccinations, and talk through seasonal concerns like allergies, sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

What I want patients to know is that most visits aren’t about delivering bad news. They’re about reassurance, prevention, and partnership. A primary care doctor isn’t just there to treat illness—we get to know your health history, your lifestyle, and how things change over time. That long-term relationship helps us spot subtle shifts early and guide decisions with your full story in mind. And if you ever need specialized care, you have easy access to Hoag’s many specialists.

Primary care works best when it’s proactive, not reactive. You don’t need to wait until something feels urgent. If something feels “off,” or if it’s simply been a while since your last visit, spring is a perfect time to check in. Listening to your body and starting the conversation early is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term health.

Dr. Yeseo Han is a family medicine physician who practices at Hoag Medical Group’s location in Newport Beach at 22 Corporate Plaza.