nHere’s why an Annual Wellness Exam is so crucial and how to prepare.
When there’s nothing wrong, why go to the doctor? A physical exam is a wellness check that allows you to check-in with your doctor, address any health concerns, and discuss future preventative actions. So it’s vital to take care of your body and not skip the examination.
Why are annual wellness examinations so important?
Do you have a persistent health question that doesn’t necessitate a separate appointment? Your physical checkup is an excellent opportunity to ask your doctor any questions that have been bothering you.
Physical exams allow you to check in on your overall health and can also aid in the development of a connection with your primary care physician. And this comes in useful when something goes wrong.
How frequently do you require an annual wellness examination?
There are differing views on how often you should get a physical checkup, even among medical experts.
It varies when it comes to each individual. But a rule of thumb is to come in once a year for a thorough investigation.
How to Get Ready for Your Annual Awareness Exam?
Preparing for your physical with a few easy steps can guarantee that you get the most out of your session.
Make a list of questions: By the time you get inside the office, it’s all too easy to forget what you meant to ask your doctor. So we recommend writing everything down ahead of time so that you don’t forget anything.
Keep a record of your medical history: Is there anything that has changed since your previous physical examination? Notify your doctor whether you’ve received a new diagnosis, received a vaccination, underwent surgery, or have any other recent changes in your health information.
Know what you’re taking: Bring a list of your prescriptions, supplements, and vitamins, or take photographs of the labels, so your doctor knows what you’re taking, even if another doctor or medical practitioner prescribed it or you purchased it over the counter.
If you have any other health information, please bring it with you: If you keep a food journal, utilize a symptom tracker, document your blood pressure, or keep track of anything else relevant to your health, bring it to your doctor’s appointment.
What's it like to get a skincare consultation with us? Watch the video to learn more.
What occurs during a physical examination?
Depending on the doctor and the patient, each appointment is different.
Let us take you through what will happen. As you know, everyone needs a yearly physical.
We’ve already talked about the massive importance that it holds. So let’s get straight into the procedures.
We will have a “get to know you” visit, where the doctor will take a look and review your medical history. Then, he’ll acquire your previous records and understand your concerns.
Several procedures will take place during your annual consultation.
EKG (also known as an echocardiogram) will be done in our office by a trained medical professional.)
Echo Tests: Basic test might be needed. The test requirement is based only on need, age, and prior history. The doctor might order this due to high blood pressure and other issues.
Complete Metabolic Panel blood tests: The doctor may order this fasting test.
Basic Metabolic Panel Blood Test: This is not fasting; we need this at least a week before your next appointment.
X-rays: If your medical provider orders x-rays, you will have your orders before you leave.
Cat Scans: If you need a referral, we will supply that.
A medical expert will weigh, measure, and take your blood pressure and pulse — often many times to ensure accuracy.
Examination of each organ system. Prepare to answer your doctor’s questions about your body — and believe that the questions, although seemingly random, are being asked with purpose.
As mentioned earlier, your doctor may ask you specific questions. This appointment is an opportunity for you to communicate with your doctor.
While not all physicians use this approach, you may anticipate the following themes and questions:
Abuse and misuse of substances
It may be tempting to lie, but your doctor isn’t here to pass judgment. Tell your doctor all you know about your alcohol and cigarette usage, including how often you use them and any difficulties you’ve had. He will need to know the exact information to help you. That is his job, after all. Your health is our priority.
Family history
Getting a physical is a part of helping you plan for a healthy future, which includes monitoring your genetic propensity to medical problems. Inform your doctor if your mother has high cholesterol or if your brother has recently been diagnosed with cancer. These are vital pieces of information that will surely help you in the future.
Updates about my personal life
Your doctor may ask you questions like “Are you still working?” and “How has your family been?” to understand your mental health situation. These questions will assist the doctor in assessing your present age and mental state and your ability to make significant health adjustments if necessary.
What comes next?
Your doctor may advise you on living a healthy lifestyle concerning any problems that are found during the annual wellnesss exam. And your post-visit report will summarize everything you talked about during the appointment, including:
- Expectations and aspirations for your health.
- Advice on how to deal with your health issues.
- All prescribed medications.
- Vaccinations, lab tests, and referrals are all required.
When should you come back for your next appointment?
Your doctor will take note of everything you say and record it so that they can get a complete picture of your health – not just now but in the future. But, of course, that implies that everything you talk about at one appointment can come up again at the next one.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more important in this world than our health. If your health is declining and you don’t act upon it in time, the results can be catastrophic.
Let’s get through the benefits of an annual wellness check one more time.
It’s unwise to wait for health problems to occur before dealing with them. Do not, for example, wait until your sunspot becomes malignant before treating it. Instead, please consult your doctor, have an examination, and give yourself the best opportunity of catching the signals before they become a problem.
Your body changes with time. You don’t notice changes when you treat your health daily, unlike when you encounter an old acquaintance after a long time. Looking at your health year after year, on the other hand, might inform you of underlying issues that you were unaware of previously.
It can be expensive in the long run. However, checkups are less expensive than going through avoidable procedures. Have you ever ignored a cavity or a toothache until it required a root canal or, worse, a tooth extraction? That’s how your total health is. Reduce your cholesterol levels today to avoid a trip to the emergency department tomorrow.
Now that you know all about your annual wellness check, it’s time for you to take care of your body the right way. Remember, your health is our priority. So call our office at 928.855.1550. We are more than happy to help!
