The Importance of Your Annual Physical Exam

Is an annual physical really necessary? As it turns out, this appointment can be hugely impactful in terms of your overall health. By scheduling this exam just once per year, you can better monitor medical concerns and get firsthand advice from your doctor in terms of how to achieve your health and wellness goals. Find out more about why yearly physicals are so important and learn what to expect at your exam appointment.

Avoid Chronic Disease

Chronic health conditions are incredibly common, but many people aren’t aware that they have them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, and about 4 in 10 have two or more. Furthermore, an estimated one-third of people with chronic diseases are unaware of their condition. 

There are a number of common chronic diseases, many of which are the leading causes of death and disability, such as:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Chronic lung disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Stroke
• High Cholesterol

Some chronic diseases are related to genetics, so going over your family medical history at your yearly exam can help to determine your risk. Certain lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, poor nutrition and consuming sugars, and lack of exercise, can also increase risk, so it’s important to share these with your doctor at your physical exam. 

Once your risk is determined, your doctor can schedule proper health screenings and discuss healthy lifestyle changes for preventing chronic diseases.

Establish an Ongoing Relationship with Your Doctor

Seeing your doctor on a regular basis also helps to develop an ongoing connection in terms of your long-term health. If you see the same doctor each year, they’ll be better able to notice changes in your overall appearance that could signal certain health issues. They’ll also have access to records from your previous visits, which helps with identifying shifts in everything from weight to blood pressure to lifestyle factors.

Another benefit with having an established relationship with your doctor is that you know exactly who to turn to when you have a health concern or medical crisis. Your doctor will already be familiar with your medical history, so they’ll be prepared to provide the individualized care your need. This can also help you to bypass in-person visits in certain cases. For example, you may be able to schedule a virtual telemedicine appointment with your doctor to address a health concern that comes up between your annual physical exams.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At Bella Terra Primary Care, our physical exams are designed to make the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Dr. Nishu Karki creates a warm, welcoming environment where you can share any of your health concerns without judgment. Here’s a brief overview of what will happen during your yearly physical exam:

1. Reviewing medical history, including past conditions and family history
2. Taking vitals, including blood pressure and pulse
3. Using a stethoscope to hear the lungs and heart
4. Examining the neck, throat, and abdomen for any irregularities
5. Testing reflexes, muscle strength, and balance
6. If necessary, taking blood or urine samples for health screenings
7. Screening for breast, cervical, and colon cancers

Details from the physical exam will help Dr. Karki assess your overall health and decide if any follow-up treatments or preventative care are required. This might include managing your medications, getting additional health screenings (such as an EKG), or establishing a plan to help prevent chronic diseases.

A face-to-face yearly exam allows you to address your health concerns before they become more serious. In addition, it makes it possible to establish a trusting and comfortable relationship with your doctor. To schedule your next physical, get in touch with Bella Terra Primary Care today.