Annual Physical Exam

Why are annual physical exams important?

Annual physical exams are the foundation of preventive medicine. The appointment is an opportunity to check in on your health and talk to your trusted physician about any health concerns. 

Many potentially dangerous health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, don’t cause symptoms in their early stages. Your doctor provides health screenings that identify diseases and allow them to deliver treatments to heal your body before symptoms disrupt your life. 

Annual checkups are also critical for children. Your doctor monitors their physical, mental, and emotional development as well as their overall health. Your child receives essential vaccines during their annual physicals that protect them from diseases.

What happens during an annual physical exam?

After you check in with the friendly office team at Health Solutions, a member of the clinical staff takes you to an examination room to record your blood pressure, weight, height, and blood oxygen saturation levels. 

Then you meet with your doctor for the rest of the exam. Your doctor reviews your medical history and asks about any changes in your health since your last physical. You also review any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you take regularly. You can take a list with you to make sure you remember everything.

They listen to your heart and lungs and feel your abdomen. Your doctor looks into your eyes, ears, and throat. They also complete some standard neurological tests to evaluate your reflexes, balance, and muscle strength. 

If necessary, they provide any additional screenings such as:

• Pelvic exam
• Breast exam
• Pap smear
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing
• Prostate exam

They also deliver any essential immunizations.

Your doctor might also request that you have blood tests before or after your physical. They let you know if you need to fast for a few hours before your blood draw. 

At the end of your appointment, you and your doctor talk about your health. They might recommend dietary changes or adjust your prescriptions. This is your opportunity to ask about any concerns. 

What questions should I ask during my physical exam?

The team at Health Solutions is an excellent resource for health information and advice. Some of the questions you might want to ask include:

• Does my family history put me at risk of certain diseases?
• Does my age increase my risk for disease?
• What health screenings do I need?
• Are my test results normal?
• How is my weight? What can I do to manage my weight?
• Am I getting enough exercise?
• Are my prescriptions still relevant?
• How can I improve my health?

If you, or any member of your family, are due for their annual physical exam, call Health Solutions, or make an appointment online today.