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New Year Resolution? Schedule Your Annual Check-Up.

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Annual physical exams are importantFor those still finalizing their resolutions, scheduling an annual check-up with a primary care doctor is a good one to add to the list of health goals this year. Many people skip their yearly physicals, and although healthy adults may not need exams as frequently, regular visits are especially important for individuals with a family history of health issues, as they can help identify problems early.

Most people only visit the doctor when they’re sick or something feels wrong, so it might not make much sense to go to the doctor when you’re feeling fine. However, regular checkups with a primary care provider can help catch issues early, which leads to better long-term health.

Prevention is better than cure.

Visiting a doctor for an annual checkup is considered preventative healthcare. Preventative healthcare focuses on measures and practices aimed at preventing illnesses, diseases, and other health issues before they occur. Aside from regular check-ups, vaccinations, screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and early interventions can promote long-term health and well-being. Preventing a disease from occurring is often more straightforward and less stressful than treating one that has occurred. For example, using a nitric oxide spray like NOWONDER during cold and flu season can prevent viruses like the coronavirus from incubating and spreading to the lungs, halting infection.

Why physicals are so important

If someone has a health question that doesn’t seem serious enough for a separate appointment, their annual check-up is a great opportunity to discuss it with their doctor. They can discuss anything that’s bothering them, whether it’s a long-term health concern or a topic they came across and want a doctor’s advice on.

Finding and treating diseases early can improve overall health. Providers can also recommend lifestyle changes to stay healthy or help with lingering issues, like joint pain or a suspicious mole that needs checking.

Even young and healthy individuals should have a regular healthcare provider. This ensures that there’s someone familiar with their medical history to turn to if any health issues arise.

How often do you need an annual check-up?

Prevention is better than cureThere are different opinions, even among doctors, about how often people should get a physical exam. There’s no set rule for how often someone should visit their doctor when they’re healthy. The best schedule depends on a person’s age, health history, risks, and needs, and it’s something they should decide with their doctor.

As a general guideline, healthy individuals in their 20s and 30s should schedule a physical every two years. However, annual check-ups may become a priority once people reach their 40s and older.

What happens at a physical exam?

An annual check-up with a primary care doctor includes two key parts: discussing recent health changes or concerns and a physical exam. Each visit is different based on the patient and doctor. While everyone gets a basic exam, some parts are adjusted depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Review health history

This is a great time for individuals to share updates about their health with their providers. They should mention any changes in their family’s medical history or any concerns they’ve noticed. For example, someone with periods might want to discuss changes in their menstrual cycle. Providers may also inquire about exercise routines, smoking, or drinking habits, so individuals should be prepared to address those as well.

Physical exam

The provider will perform a physical exam to check for any noticeable signs of health issues. By observing and examining the body, they can identify signals one might not notice themselves.

During this visit, the provider may

  • Check the patient’s pulse
  • Listen to the heart and lungs
  • Examine the mouth and ears
  • Feel the lymph nodes
  • Inspect the skin
  • Check for swelling in the arms and legs
  • Perform a breast exam
  • Measure height and weight
  • Check blood pressure

These physical checks can identify any issues early – for example, high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of serious issues like strokes, heart attacks, kidney problems, and heart failure. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, simple lifestyle changes may be enough to lower blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range before any serious damage occurs.

System review

During a check-up, doctors often ask various questions about the body that might seem unrelated, but each one serves a purpose. They review all the major body systems to help patients recall any symptoms that might have been overlooked. For example, they may ask if the patient has experienced chest pain or difficulty breathing, noticed any changes in their urine, or seen any unusual moles.

Internal exams

Internal exams may be included as part of a physical or sexual health screening. For females, this could involve a pelvic exam or Pap test to check for signs of cervical cancer, HPV, or other gynecological concerns. For males, the provider may perform exams to look for signs of testicular cancer, prostate cancer, or a hernia.

Blood or other screening tests

During the appointment, the doctor may recommend blood tests or other screening tests based on the discussion. These tests can measure things like cholesterol, blood sugar, or electrolyte levels, which provides important information about organ health and can help detect conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

What questions might the doctor ask?

During a visit, doctors often ask questions to help patients feel comfortable and encourage open communication. They usually begin with broad, open-ended questions. This gives patients the chance to bring up any concerns or topics they want to discuss, making sure nothing important is left out. Not every provider does this, but people can usually expect to discuss some of these questions and topics.

Substance use

Patients may be asked about any use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. Even if it’s uncomfortable to talk about, it is best to be honest. A doctor’s job isn’t to judge; they’re there to help. Patients should share how often they use these substances and mention any issues they’ve noticed related to them. Even “innocent” habits like cravings for sweet things, or over-indulgence in caffeine drinks (coffee, colas, tea), can be pointers to current and future health issues.

Family History

Patients should share information about their family’s medical conditions. For instance, if a parent has high cholesterol or a sibling has been diagnosed with cancer, they should inform their doctor. Keeping track of any family health issues allows doctors to monitor potential genetic risks.

Mental health

Providers often ask general questions about a person’s life to better understand their mental health. They might ask things like, “Are you still working?” or “How is your family doing?” These questions help them evaluate whether they’re in a position to handle significant health changes.

How to prepare for your appointment.

An annual physical doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Doctors usually guide the process, but taking a few easy steps to prepare can help make the appointment more effective and productive.

Patients often forget their questions by the time they see their doctor. To avoid this, some doctors recommend writing down any concerns or questions beforehand to make sure nothing is overlooked during the appointment.

For any required tests like bloodwork, mammograms, or other routine health screenings, it’s a good idea to complete those before a physical. Consult with the doctor’s office to get the pre-requisite tests ordered in good time before the physical. Write down questions beforehand to make sure nothing is overlooked during the appointment.Patients should keep track of their medical history. Have there been any changes since their last check-up? If they’ve been diagnosed with a new condition, received a vaccine, had surgery, or have any other updates about their health, now is the time to inform their doctor.

Patients need to inform their doctor about all medications and supplements they’re taking, whether prescribed by another physician or purchased over the counter. They should bring a list of them and maybe take pictures of the labels if they are not likely to be familiar.

Patients should bring any extra health information with them. This could include a food journal, a symptom tracker, blood pressure records, or anything else related to their health. Sharing this with the provider can be very helpful.

Even if a patient has no current health problems, a physical exam is a chance to spot potential future issues. This allows doctors to plan ahead and sets the stage for future care. The primary care provider keeps detailed notes of the conversation to build a complete picture of the patient’s health over time. What is discussed during the appointment can guide future goals and plans, helping the patient stay healthy in the long run.

FAQs

Which doctor is best for the annual check-up?

A primary care physician (PCP), such as a family doctor, internist, or pediatrician for children, is usually the one who is involved in routine check-ups. They handle general health management, conduct regular exams, and provide referrals to specialists when necessary.

Can a blood test show everything?

Blood tests provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, helping them determine whether specific measurements fall within normal ranges. Of course, they serve as just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to diagnosing a person’s medical condition.

What is another name for a primary care provider?

A primary care provider (PCP) is a healthcare professional specializing in general medicine and often serves as the initial point of contact for medical needs. While many PCPs are doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also fulfill this role in some instances.

Picture of Sarah Ryan

Sarah Ryan

Sarah is a nutritionist focused on integrative health. She embraces an approach to nutrition that combines conventional therapies with proven, safe complementary treatments.
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