Physical Exam Specialist

Why are physical exams important?

The National Institutes of Health recommend every adult visit their primary care provider at least once a year for a physical, but why should you make time to go all the way to the doctor’s office when you feel fine? Even when you feel completely healthy, there are a number of reasons you should always schedule a regular physical.

During a physical, your doctor will perform basic maintenance on any health problems, but they also screen for diseases and provide important immunizations. It’s also a good chance for you to ask any questions you may have and for your doctor to offer you advice and insight on how to live the healthiest life possible.

What are health screenings?

Screenings are tests to check if you have contracted or are at risk for certain diseases. Some conditions, like high blood pressure, are so common that everyone is screened for them. Screenings are important because catching a disease early in its development can often mean the difference in a minor inconvenience and a serious medical complication.

Some of the most common conditions for which you’ll need to be screened include:

• Certain types of cancer
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hearing or vision loss
• Mental health conditions, like dementia or depression

Screenings vary depending upon that for which the doctor may be looking. Some screenings require something as simple as a blood test, but, for example, a screening for colon cancer will often require a colonoscopy.

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations are among the most important tools for disease control in modern medicine. With proper vaccinations, you can prevent a host of diseases before they even occur through a process called immunization. A vaccination makes your body become more familiar with dangerous viruses like measles, making it easier to fight the illness if you ever come in contact with the real thing.

Vaccination takes almost no time and minimal discomfort, but can help you avoid serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions. It’s important to get regular exams to ensure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations.

In addition to vaccinations and screenings, your exam should be a regularly scheduled opportunity for any maintenance of chronic health conditions and education on any health topics you have questions about. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you’ve had about your health, and keep a list of questions in the days leading up to your physical, so you don’t forget to ask your doctor. Call the office today to set up your next physical, or make your appointment online.