Annual physical exams are important to make sure you’re healthy overall. These routine checkups help your primary care provider find potential health issues before they get worse and develop into more serious problems.
However, many people dislike going to their provider for their yearly exams. Some find the process intimidating. Others worry about what the healthcare provider might find and how to prepare for the visit.
If you feel this way, don’t worry! Here, we will give you tips on how to prepare for your annual physical so you can have a productive visit and leave with peace of mind.
Gather Your Medical History
Before your appointment, get all important health documents you have. This includes previous medical records, a list of medications you are currently taking, and any recent test results. Also, write down if you have experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Behavioral/mood changes
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Snoring or signs of sleep apnea
- For women, abnormal periods or breast changes
- Headaches or migraines
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle or joint pain
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal coughing, or wheezing
- Sudden and significant weight gain or loss (or trouble gaining or losing weight)
- Skin changes, including rashes, moles, discoloration, warts, bumps or lumps
It’s a good idea to note down and inform your primary care provider if you or your close family members have a history of:
- Autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Hearing loss and/or vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disease
Bring a List of Questions
During your checkup, your provider will ask if you have any health problems that worry you. They will also ask you about your health goals for the next 12 months. So, take some time to think about questions that you’d like to ask your practitioner. Write them down so that you don’t forget once you’re in the exam room. Your question could be related to your symptoms, menstrual cycle, contraception methods, osteoporosis, prostate cancer risk, etc.,
Dress Appropriately
Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily take off and put back on during your physical exam. You may be asked to change into a gown, so it’s important to wear clothing that can be easily removed and put back on.
Also, avoid wearing any clothing that can interfere with your blood pressure reading, such as tight sleeves.
Be Honest with Your Healthcare Provider
Honesty is very important during your annual physical. Don’t be afraid to share any habits that could be affecting your health, such as smoking, how much alcohol you drink, your eating habits, and stress levels.
Your healthcare provider is here to help you, and the more honest you are with them, the more effective they can be in addressing your health concerns.
Come Prepared for Screening and Tests
Depending on the type of tests your primary care provider orders, you may need to prepare for them. This can include fasting for a while before your checkup or avoiding certain medications.
For example, if you are getting blood drawn, you may need to stop eating food 12 hours before your appointment.
Women’s Health and Nurse Practitioners in Kent, Washington
Annual physical exams may be intimidating, but it’s crucial not to skip them. The more informed you are before your visit, the more productive it will be.
If you are looking for a healthcare provider who offers top-notch primary care services including women’s health services, visit us at FamilyCare of Kent. Our family nurse practitioners are highly trained. They will listen to you and provide personalized health care for all the members of the family.
If you would like to know more about us or would like to request an appointment, contact us today at (253) 859-2273 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you!