You’re feeling fine, you’re healthy, you’ve never been diagnosed with a chronic condition, and you’ve never experienced a medical issue beyond the occasional cold. So, why do you need to see your primary care doctor for an annual physical exam?
The most compelling reason is that maintaining good health cannot be left to chance. It is something that relies on awareness on your part, guidance from your doctor, and preventive care adhered to by both of you. Besides, if you wait until you develop symptoms of a serious illness to seek medical attention, it may require more complex treatment than if you prevented the issue in the first place or sought treatment early on.
Four Reasons to Schedule An Annual Preventive Check-up
Adults of all ages can benefit from regular physical exams – even if they are in good shape and have no noticeable or significant health complaints. Here’s why it is best to have a comprehensive physical exam each and every year:
1. Protect Your Long-term Health.
Regular physicals not only give you and your doctor insight into your current health but also any potential risk factors you have for disease. There are certain diseases called “silent killers” that may not have symptoms at first but can eventually cause life-threatening problems. An annual physical exam that includes a blood pressure check and appropriate screenings can uncover problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol, or at least alert you to unhealthy trends sooner rather than later. By monitoring and measuring your health over time, your doctor can detect any changes that require lifestyle changes or medication to reverse the problem or prevent it from progressing.
2. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations and Preventive Screenings.
As part of your preventive health measures, you may be due for routine immunizations, such as an annual flu shot, the shingles vaccine, or a tetanus booster shot, which is recommended every 10 years. These can be easily administered at your annual physical exam. In addition, you should have an annual blood lipid profile check, which is a fasting blood test that measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It is important for women, in particular, to undergo routine preventive screenings such as a Pap smear and HPV test, breast exams and a mammogram, a colon cancer screening, and a bone density test on a regular basis. The same is true for men when it comes to colon and prostate cancer screenings. Your doctor can advise you on the frequency of these tests.
3. Learn About your Chronic Disease Risk.
You may not realize it, but statistics indicate that three in five adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease. At your annual physical exam, you and your doctor can review your current risk factors for acquiring a chronic disease, evaluate any health changes that have developed since your last check-up, discuss lifestyle choices that may be contributing to your disease risk, and establish strategies to reduce or manage your risk.
4. Build a Stronger Relationship with Your Provider.
Spending one-on-one quality time with your doctor on a regular basis provides an opportunity to establish good rapport and trust, both of which are beneficial to your personal healthcare needs. Being able to interact comfortably with your healthcare provider can encourage you to be proactive about maintaining your health and wellness.
Annual Physical Exams Near You in Kent, Washington
At FamilyCare of Kent, we believe good health starts with an annual checkup. Our board-certified and experienced nurse practitioners provide comprehensive medical examinations for the whole family, including routine adult check-ups, well-woman visits, and sports physicals for children.
During your checkup, we’ll review your medical history, provide the appropriate vaccines or immunizations, check for signs of disease you may be at risk for, order any necessary tests, and discuss any health concerns and/or goals that you should prioritize.
To schedule your next wellness exam or sports physical in Kent, Washington, call FamilyCare of Kent today at (253) 859-2273 (CARE) or use our online appointment request form now.