Medical providers stress the importance of annual physical exams. There are many reasons to keep your yearly appointment at the clinic from preventative health management to managing the medical conditions you already have. Do you need more motivation to see your physician regularly?
Manage Existing Conditions
There is no better way to manage your health conditions than see your doctor or another medical provider frequently. You have a chance to update them on any new or changing symptoms and they can make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
Spot Changes Early
Sometimes we don’t see small changes in our health from day to day; however, when your provider sees you at your annual physical exams they may notice things that you don’t. By detecting changes early on, they may be able to diagnose things like high blood pressure or diabetes and start treatment as soon as possible.
Routine Screenings
Several screenings are a part of most annual physical exams. Your provider will assess your body mass index (BMI) and perform blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings. Some tests like a DEXA scan for osteoporosis screening are age-specific and typically for older adults.
Stay Current on Vaccines
Vaccines aren’t only for children and they can help maintain good health as an adult. A yearly flu shot can help prevent the flu or lessen the severity of symptoms if you do catch the flu. The HPV vaccine may be suggested for young adults at risk of contracting the human papillomavirus and pneumonia or shingles vaccines are recommended for older adults.
Updated Medical Records
Keeping your medical records up-to-date can make future healthcare much easier for you. Your provider will have a history of illnesses, treatments, and tests to refer back to each time they see you. If you ever change providers, your new provider will have a clear picture of your overall health.
Get to Know Your Provider
Health care is about much more than tests and treatments. Getting to know your medical provider and their staff can help you feel more comfortable seeking care and your physician. With annual physical exams, your provider can also get to know you better and learn what concerns you have about your health now and in the future.
Preventative care and annual physical exams are vital to staying as healthy as possible and managing any conditions or health risks you may have. To schedule your next physical with one of our knowledgeable and attentive medical providers, call the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center today at (281) 252-8600 or request an appointment online.