While many people may not think year exams are vital, they are a necessary component of good health. You can think of an annual physical is a preventative doctor’s appointment; keeping it could prevent a lot of future issues that might become much worse over time if ignored.
A yearly exam is intended to detect hidden problems and prevent illness from becoming an issue in the near future. A basic exam will include a check of vital signs. Your doctor is making sure your blood pressure, temperature, heart and respiration rates are all within normal limits.
An abnormal reading for any of these is a good indication of a need for further testing. As your vital signs are being checked, your general appearance is also being assessed. As a trained healthcare professional, your doctor can tell quite a bit by simply looking at you.
What to Expect
A stethoscope will probably be used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your heart can have a murmur, an irregular heartbeat, or other signs of heart disease unknown to you. Lungs may make wheezes or crackles or even sound more faint than they should. These are all good indications that something is not quite right and further evaluation may be warranted.
Updating your current medical history is also very important during a physical. Your doctor can answer questions about quitting smoking, lowering alcohol usage, safe sex practices, exercise and good diet choices. All of this is important indication of your health status.
After this, your doctor might do a full “head to toe” examination, checking everything from your tonsils to the circulation in your feet. All of these exams share a common factor. They are checking for an abnormal change that would require further testing.
How Does That Help Me?
Between the physical examination and the lab work that may occur, your chances of early detection of asymptomatic (happening without notable symptoms) health issues increase tremendously. Blood pressure and blood sugar problems can cause serious damage to your body when left untreated. Heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems are commonly secondary issues and are easily prevented.
The main goal of a yearly physical is to keep you out of the doctor’s office, and out enjoying your life. Your annual exam will allow your doctor to explain any changes happening in your body, and whether or not you should worry about them. Its main goal is the prevention of illness, all while maximizing your wellness.
Still unsure if a yearly physical is the right choice for you? Call Patient Care Urgent Care to discuss your options with a highly trained, board certified medical staff. For more information call Fairless Hills Urgent Care Center at (267) 202-6433 today. We look forward to seeing you!
