Everybody sees a doctor when they are feeling sick. Even if you are in good health, you should stay in touch with your doctor. You may have a yearly physical to find out how your health is doing, regardless of any symptoms or health issues you may be having.
Maintaining physical health can lead to new opportunities for leading better lives. A healthy individual can effectively handle all of his obligations. You might develop a significant health ailment at any time if you skip regular checkups or fail to recognize the signs.
In this article, we will emphasize the significance of annual physical checkups, discuss preparation tips, and provide an overview of what to expect during these comprehensive examinations.
What exactly is an annual physical examination?
You schedule a visit with your primary care physician for your yearly physical. You receive a thorough report on your health issues and have a lot of questions to ask.
You can discuss your lifestyle with your doctor or any health group, including any changes to your health that have happened recently. You may also complete a detailed medical history quiz, answering questions on your stress level, family problems, addiction, sleep problems, and other factors.
Why Are Annual Checkups Important?
Your PCP can assess your general health status through a physical exam. Additionally, the examination gives you the chance to discuss any persistent discomfort, symptoms, or other health issues with the doctor.
It’s advised to be checked out at least once a year, especially if you’re over 50. These tests are carried out to:
- Checking for potential diseases so they may be treated early
- Detection of any conditions that could develop into future medical difficulties
- To get updated with any essential immunizations
- Making sure you follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
- To cultivate a connection with your PCP
These examinations are also a wonderful method to assess your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. You might have high amounts without ever exhibiting any symptoms or indicators. Your PCP can address these problems early on thanks to routine screenings.
Before you start receiving treatment for a medical problem, your PCP could also do a physical examination.
How to prepare for a physical examination:
To ensure a successful physical examination, it is important to prepare adequately beforehand. Follow these steps to make the most of your appointment:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact your preferred primary care physician (PCP) to book your physical examination. If you don’t have a PCP, reach out to your health insurance provider for a list of available providers in your area.
- Gather Important Documents: Collect the necessary paperwork to bring to your physical examination. This includes:
- A list of your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- Record any symptoms or pain you are experiencing, noting their frequency and intensity.
- Bring the results of any recent or relevant medical tests or examinations.
- Provide your medical and surgical history, including any past procedures or significant health events.
- Note down the names and contact information of any other doctors you have visited recently.
- If you have an implanted device like a pacemaker or defibrillator, make sure to bring a copy of the front and back of your device card.
- Prepare a list of any additional questions or concerns you would like to discuss during the examination.
- Review Your Medical History: Take some time to review your medical history, including any chronic conditions or previous diagnoses. Familiarize yourself with the details of your past medical records and any treatments you have received.
- Note Changes in Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or new health issues since your last appointment. Be prepared to discuss these changes with your PCP during the examination.
- Follow Pre-Exam Instructions: If your PCP has provided any specific pre-exam instructions, such as fasting for bloodwork, make sure to follow them closely. This will ensure accurate test results and facilitate a thorough evaluation.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your physical examination. Opt for loose-fitting attire that allows for easy access to different body parts if necessary.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at your appointment a few minutes early to complete any required paperwork or update your personal information if needed. This will help the appointment stay on schedule and allow for a relaxed experience.
- Communicate Openly: During the physical examination, be open and honest with your PCP. Discuss any concerns, symptoms, or questions you have. Clear communication will enable your PCP to provide you with the best possible care and address any health-related issues effectively.
How is a physical examination performed?
By following these steps and adequately preparing for your physical examination, you can maximize the benefits of the appointment and have a productive discussion with your PCP.
During a physical examination, the process typically begins with a nurse asking you questions about your medical history, allergies, past surgeries, and any current symptoms or lifestyle factors like exercise, smoking, or alcohol consumption. After this initial assessment, your primary care physician (PCP) will perform the following steps:
- Visual Inspection: Your PCP will visually inspect your body, looking for any unusual marks, growths, or abnormalities. This may involve you sitting or standing while they examine your skin, eyes, ears, throat, and overall appearance.
- Palpation: Your PCP will use their hands to feel and press different areas of your body, including your abdomen, to assess the size, consistency, tenderness, texture, and location of organs.
- Auscultation: Using a stethoscope, your PCP will listen to various parts of your body. They may listen to your lungs as you breathe deeply, assess your heart for any abnormal sounds or murmurs, and listen to your intestines.
- Percussion: Your PCP may use a technique called percussion, tapping the body like a drum. This helps assess the presence of abnormal fluid and determine the borders, consistency, and size of organs.
- Biometric Measurements: Your PCP will measure your height, weight, and pulse rate. These measurements provide important baseline information for tracking changes in your health over time.
Post-Physical Examination Follow-up: Next Steps for Your Health
You are free to continue with your day after the appointment. After the exam, your PCP could contact you by phone or email to follow up. Typically, they will thoroughly review the report and provide you with a copy of your test findings. Your PCP will highlight any issues and advise you on any actions you need to take. You could require further tests or screenings down the road, depending on what your PCP discovers.
