When you’re feeling healthy, it’s easy to put preventive health care on the back burner. Most of us wait until we’re in too much discomfort from sickness or injury to visit our physician, make an appointment, or visit an urgent care facility. However, an annual physical exam is important because it can make a huge impact on your long-term physical and mental health. Here’s what you need to know about getting an annual checkup.
Why should I get an annual exam?
Continued wellness is often the result of great communication between you and your doctor, and a yearly physical — covered by most insurance plans — helps support that doctor-patient relationship. Therefore, during your annual exam, talk to your doctor about your health, lifestyle, travel plans, current nutrition and fitness routines, and any concerns you may have. Also, discuss changes in energy, activity, appearance (e.g., skin, hair, and teeth), and mental or emotional health, including memory loss, troubles concentrating, or depression. The better your doctor knows you, the better he or she can work with you to manage your care.
What can I expect?
There are a few standard procedures to expect during a yearly health check, but tests and screenings can vary. Your doctor may check your general appearance, talk to you about your medical history, and check or perform the following:
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Heart and respiration rates
• Heart and lung exam
• Ears, nose, and throat
• Abdominal exam
• Neurological check (including reflexes, muscle strength, and balance)
• Dermatological exam
Many doctors may take this opportunity to order lab work (blood tests, urine tests, or body tissue) to reveal potential underlying health issues. For instance, the American Heart Association recommends a lipid panel screening to check for heart disease every four to six years. However, more tests may be ordered depending on symptoms, age, and gender, or if there’s a family history of heart disease. These screenings can be used to confirm or rule out health issues and help your physician pinpoint the origin of any symptoms you may be experiencing. In addition, women may be encouraged to have a breast exam/mammogram and pelvic exam (based on age or doctor recommendation), and men may undergo a hernia, testicular, and/or prostate exam, among other screenings.
Annual physical exams can save your life.
Many of the tests and screenings performed during an annual physical exam can lead to early detection and treatment of serious medical conditions and diseases. Charting your progress from year to year can be a crucial tool in recognizing new signs of illnesses that may develop as you age. Early detection and treatment can be vital in determining your outlook and quality of life. Therefore, even if you’re feeling well, make time for an annual physical exam to help ensure your good health continues.
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