The Importance of Annual Physical Exams
An annual physical exam is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your health and well-being. It helps to identify potential health issues before they become a problem, as well as provides an opportunity for your doctor to develop a plan that is tailored specifically to you. But what exactly should you expect at an annual physical exam? Let’s take a closer look.
What To Expect During Your Annual Exam
When you arrive for your appointment, the nurse will typically take your vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. This information allows your physician to get an understanding of any underlying conditions that may be contributing to symptoms or illnesses. After this initial assessment, you will likely then meet with the physician who will conduct a full physical exam. This may include a head-to-toe review of any existing or previous medical conditions or diseases, as well as any current medications and supplements you are taking. You should also expect some basic laboratory tests such as cholesterol testing and urinalysis. Depending on your age and sex, additional screenings such as mammograms, pap smears and prostate exams may also be included in the annual physical exam.
Your physician will also use this time to discuss any lifestyle changes that may help improve overall health and wellness including diet modifications, stress management techniques, exercise recommendations or quitting smoking if necessary. Additionally, it is also important to discuss any personal concerns or questions with the doctor during this visit so that all of your needs are addressed in order to promote optimal health over the long term.
Conclusion:
Overall, annual physical exams provide an invaluable opportunity for you and your healthcare provider to review all aspects of your health holistically in order to catch any potential issues early on while simultaneously developing proactive strategies for achieving maximum wellbeing moving forward. If it’s been more than one year since your last visit with a primary care physician in Katy TX., now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for yourself at PIMAH! We look forward helping you achieve optimum health!