![]() ![]() If someone in your family was diagnosed with a disease or cancer, tell your doctor.Īlso, bring a list or a bag of all the medications and supplements that you take. If you’re only visiting your doctor once a year, make sure to get the most out of your visit by being aware of and sharing your family’s medical history. Follow up visits to further discuss these other concerns may be necessary. Sometimes, in a single visit, there may not enough time to discuss all of the above items and to also talk about worsening chronic medical problems or new concerning symptoms or lab results. The visit is also a great time to get up-to-date with CDC-recommended immunizations to avoid illness. These important topics usually don’t arise when you’re seeing the doctor to treat a specific ailment. Your doctor will be able to check for common age-related issues and make plans for treatment if necessary.ĭuring a physical exam, you can also consult your doctor about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle by asking about diet, exercise and other lifestyle recommendations. Other forms of cancer screening that are likely to be discussed include colon cancer screening for those over 50 and regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer in women. It may also include imaging tests for osteoporosis, lung cancer and breast cancer screening. These could include lab work, like cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. The doctor will also perform a comprehensive physical exam during the visit.ĭepending on your age and health, your doctor may also review and order additional tests. Your doctor will look at your health history and then will check your vital signs, such as heart rate, temperature and blood pressure. ![]() What to expect at an annual physicalĮssentially, an annual physical is a general examination of your overall health. ![]() Visiting your doctor at least once a year can help prevent life-threatening diseases, as well as help you stay on top of your health. ![]() However, receiving an annual physical is crucial for maintaining good overall health and monitoring your risk for certain illnesses and diseases. It’s not uncommon for patients to go to the doctor only when they are feeling ill. UptoDate: "Definition, risk factors, and evaluation of resistant hypertension," "Screening for colorectal cancer: Strategies in patients at average risk,” “Patient education: Bone density testing (The Basics),” “Patient education: Breast cancer screening (The Basics),” “Patient education: Prostate cancer screening (PSA tests) (The Basics).The Importance Of Getting An Annual Physical And What To Expect University of California, San Diego: "A Practical Guide to Clinical Medicine: Male Genital and Rectal Exam." Preventive Services Task Force: "Blood Pressure in Adults (Hypertension): Screening," "Breast Cancer: Screening," "Cervical Cancer: Screening," "Colorectal Cancer: Screening," "Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) in Adults: Screening," "Lipid Disorders in Adults (Cholesterol, Dyslipidemia): Screening," "Obesity in Adults: Screening and Management," "Skin Cancer: Screening." Piedmont Healthcare: "A yearly physical can save your life." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Calculate Your BMI." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: "Diagnosis of Diabetes and Prediabetes." National Cancer Institute: "Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps." MouthHealthy, American Dental Association: "Questions About Going to the Dentist." Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: "Breast Cancer (Screening)," "Colorectal Cancer," "Lipid Disorders in Adults," "Obesity in Adults."Īmerican Academy of Dermatology: "Melanoma: Tips for finding and preventing."Īmerican Academy of Family Physicians: "Annual Exams? Tailor Visit Frequency to Patients' Needs," "Summary of Recommendations for Clinical Preventive Services, 2014."Īmerican Cancer Society: "American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms."Īmerican Cancer Society: "Screening Recommendations by Age," "Skin exams."Īmerican Heart Association: "How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested," "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings," “High Blood Pressure.”ĬDC: “How and When to Have Your Cholesterol Checked,” “What Should I Know About Screening.” ![]()
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