Importance Of Annual Physicals to Staying Healthy in The New Year

A physical examination is a test done by your doctor to check your general health. It helps detect some diseases at early stages, and improve your quality of life. A physical exam can be done even if you are not sick. So, what to expect from your annual physical?

• Medical History. Every physical exam appointment with your doctor includes updating your medical history. Your doctor will ask you questions about allergies, what medications you take, and if you've had any surgery recently. They will also inquire about your work conditions and lifestyle behaviors, such as exercise, diet, smoking, and alcohol intake. This is also the part where you should mention any concerns about your health. These pieces of information are important to determine your possible risk factors and improve them before you develop a chronic illness. So make sure to answer as accurately and completely as you can. 

• Vitals Check. Your doctor will check your vital signs, including, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and body mass index.

• General Appearance. Your physical appearance will be checked for any signs of health problems. The doctor will examine your head, neck, and extremities. They will also check how you walk and talk. 

• Physical examination. The next step is the physical examination. This will allow your physician to assess your organ and motor functions. Your doctor will check your eyes, nose, ears, and throat. They will also listen to your heart, lungs, and abdomen for any disturbances. The physical exam also includes checking your reflexes, muscle strength, and balance. Your doctor may perform any other tests they consider necessary based on your medical history. 

• Lab tests. Not all lab tests are compulsory for your annual physicals. However, based on the results of your interview and physical examination your doctor may require some of these tests. The most common tests that patients take during their annual check-ups are blood glucose tests, cholesterol tests, and pap tests for women. If you have any diagnosed chronic diseases, you are likely to need more lab tests performed regularly to avoid these disorders from worsening.

As important as regular check-ups are, many people still prefer going to the doctor only when they feel sick. To understand the importance of annual physicals and their advantages, check out these benefits of annual physicals:

• Identify risk factors for serious diseases. Many chronic illnesses can be avoided with simple lifestyle changes or timely medication. Some people are more likely to suffer from certain diseases than others. An annual physical will let you know what conditions you are likely to develop so you can immediately start taking the necessary steps to avoid them.

• Detect disorders with no obvious symptoms. The danger of some health conditions lies in the fact that they don’t exhibit symptoms until it’s too late to treat them. A regular check-up will let your doctor diagnose these diseases and respond accordingly.

• Diagnose and treat diseases at early stages. In some other cases, although the symptoms are noticed by the patients they are dismissed as unimportant. Your doctor will identify seemingly harmless symptoms of dangerous diseases like cancer and start treatment on time.

• Timely implementation of lifestyle changes. During your interview, the doctor will ask about your daily routine and all the aspects of your life that can affect your health. If they detect any potentially harmful tendencies, they will give you advice on how to make your lifestyle healthier.

• Discuss the benefits and risks of medication. If you take any prescription medication it is extremely important to schedule a doctor’s appointment regularly. You may need to adjust the dose of your medication every once in a while or monitor its side effects.

• Document and compare the results of the check-up. One of the biggest advantages of getting annual physicals is the ability to compare the results with previous ones. Sometimes, even if your results are considered normal, the doctor may notice an indication of your health declining. If you have a chronic disease, you can clearly see if it’s improving or worsening and have your treatment adjusted. 

• Address misconceptions about health. A lot of illnesses develop due to people’s lack of knowledge about certain health risks. Remember that during your check-up you can and should ask your doctor all the questions you might have about your health. They will be happy to educate you and help you become healthier.

• Recommend screenings and vaccinations. Any abnormal results found during the physical examination need to be further investigated. Your doctor will decide whether you need additional screening or immunization based on your medical history and physical state.

• Establish a relationship of trust with the doctor. You are more likely to confide your concerns to a person you already know and trust. This can only be done if you regularly visit the same physician. Besides, if you get sick in the future they will be able to treat you more effectively if they already know you and your body well.

• Improve your mental health. Your physician will check not only your physical health state but also your mental well-being. They can detect symptoms of anxiety and depression that usually go unnoticed by patients. They can also give you advice on stress-managing if they notice you’re under a lot of pressure.