Your annual physical is an easy appointment to postpone or dismiss, especially if you’re feeling pretty healthy. But these yearly checkups are an important part of your wellness routine and should be prioritized, especially as you get older.
Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t skip your next physical:
1. To maintain overall good health
By asking you a series of questions and taking you through simple tests, your primary care provider will get a detailed picture of your current physical and mental health.
Your provider will check your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, mental faculties, and balance. They will assess for any discoloration, swelling, or abnormalities in telltale areas such as your eyes, thyroid, ears, and skin.
Next, the provider will check the responsiveness of your reflexes, the positioning and size of your organs, and any possible buildup of fluid in your organs, abdomen, or lungs. They may also order lab tests.
In addition, many primary care providers perform a mental health screening using brief questionnaires (like PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety). They may also ask have a conversation to screen for issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, helping to catch problems early and offer referrals.
Consistent annual physicals will give your provider a long-term view of your overall health, and help them identify any issues or changes that may be a cause for concern, so they can recommend appropriate treatment.
2. To prevent disease progression
Many diseases can be prevented with early detection and treatment before they become serious. But some diseases like hypertension or kidney disease can progress without showing any obvious symptoms until they are more advanced.
During your annual physical exam, your primary care provider will check your vitals, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, and any irregularities can be signs of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses such as high blood pressure.
Your provider may order some of the following lab tests:
- Blood panel to check the function and capacity of your internal organs
- Lipid panel – measures cholesterol levels to check your heart health and your risk of heart disease or stroke
- Blood sugar reading (A1c) to check if you have pre-diabetes or type 1 or 2 diabetes
- Urine test to identify any possible problems with your urinary tract, kidneys, and bladder
With regular annual checkups and lab testing, your provider can identify unhealthy changes that may lead to disease. These disease processes can often be slowed or even reversed with proper treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or other methods.
3. To screen for cancer
Although there are many unknowns when it comes to cancer, we do know that cancer is most effectively treated when it’s detected early. Screening tests for cervical cancer/HPV, colon cancer, and breast cancer are used to check for cancer in the early stages before any symptoms appear.
Although the science is evolving for at-home colon and cervical cancer screenings, many cancer screening tests cannot be done outside of a healthcare facility. During your annual physical, your provider will perform or recommend various cancer screening tests depending on your age and gender.
If you are a female, your provider will perform a routine pelvic exam and pap test to screen for cervical and ovarian cancer. If you are a male, screenings for colon cancer and prostate cancer will be recommended.
After age 40, annual mammograms are recommended to screen for breast cancer. After the age of 50, your provider will write a colonoscopy referral to screen for colorectal cancer.
You may also be screened for lung cancer if you have a history of smoking, or a family history of lung cancer.
If you have a family history of any of these diseases, your provider may recommend screenings to begin at an earlier age.
4. To update prescriptions and immunizations
An annual physical is a great time to cross a few things off your list. During your yearly checkup, you can:
- Receive the current flu shot
- Renew any current prescriptions, and
- Speak to your provider about any trips or events coming up that you should prepare for with updated immunizations.
You can also take this opportunity to speak to your provider about any concerns, side effects of your current medications, and discuss alternatives or dosage changes as needed.
5. To get support and guidance on healthy lifestyle choices
Living a healthy life is not only necessary for maintaining a strong and able body; it can also elevate your energy levels and reduce or eliminate your risk of illness such as depression, diabetes, or heart disease.
At your annual exam, your primary care provider can offer advice on how you can live a healthier life, and provide guidance on any changes you need to make. They will take into account your current physical and mental health, nutrition, level of fitness and present and past injuries to create an individualized treatment plan.
Making healthy lifestyle choices does not have to be a solo effort. Your provider will also give you a chance to ask questions and will provide guidance and support to help you make the best choices for yourself.
WWMG providers partner with their patients to help them live a lifestyle that promotes disease prevention and long-term wellness.
Schedule an annual physical at WWMG
If you don’t have a primary care provider, contact us at WWMG to get set up with one of our providers, and schedule your annual checkup. To make the most of your time, and to ensure that nothing is overlooked, come prepared with the following:
- Questions – Compile a list of questions about your current medications, your health conditions and/or current symptoms, and any concerns you have about your mental and physical health. Writing your questions down can ensure that nothing slips through the cracks and that all of your concerns are addressed.
- Medical history – Come prepared with your family history, your medical history (including any and all surgeries), and the contact information for any physicians you’ve seen recently. This will help your provider get a complete understanding of your current health and any potential risk factors.
- List of medications – Take pictures of your medications or bring them with you to your appointment. Include any herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications such as sleeping pills or allergy medication, as these can interact with some prescription drugs.
- Insurance card – Bring a copy of your current insurance card to avoid any unnecessary charges. Contact your insurance directly in advance for a full understanding of your coverage, so you know what to expect.
Regardless of your age and current level of health, we hope that this list will help you see the importance of attending your annual physical. We encourage you to be proactive about your health by scheduling regular check-ups to assess your current physical and mental health.
Request an appointment today at one of our 7 primary care locations. We’re here to support you at every age and stage of life.