The Importance of Yearly Physicals

Yearly physicals are very important no matter what stage of life one is in. One of the best ways to identify a condition and treat it early is by checking in with your primary care provider often. A physician will also track your health progress and see whether they are any necessary adjustments you should make. Discussed below are some of the reasons why yearly physicals are essential.

Assess a Persons General Health

When you visit a wellness clinic, a doctor will order several blood tests and screenings depending on your age, family history, risk factors, and lifestyle. Some of the tests include:

• Cholesterol screening - to measure the cholesterol in your blood. For healthy patients with lower risk factors, a cholesterol reading lower than 200 mg/dL is normal.
• Blood pressure screening - to measure the force of one's blood against their artery. Any reading below 130/80 is considered normal.
• Blood glucose screening - to measure glucose amount present in your blood. To get an accurate reading, the test is usually done when one is fasting. A reading below 5.7% is normal.
• Osteoporosis screening - this type of screening is recommended for women from the age of 65 to test bone density.

The above tests can help a doctor identify if you have an underlying condition like diabetes or heart disease.

Updating Your Vaccinations

Another reason to visit a wellness clinic is to stay up to date with your vaccines to prevent dangerous diseases. Some important vaccines include:

• Flu vaccine - anyone above six months should get flu shots each year.
• Tdap vaccine - it is a combination of the vaccines for tetanus, acellular pertussis, and diphtheria. Women should get this vaccine each time they are pregnant to protect their children.
• HPV vaccine - used to protect one from cancers caused by human papillomavirus. The vaccination is usually administered to children aged 11 and 12.

Cancer Screening

By doing yearly checkups, you increase your chances of identifying cancer while still in the early stages and most treatable. A physician usually considers your risk factors and recommends cancer screening.

Update Your Medical Records

In one year, so much can change. That is why everyone, regardless of age, needs to go for a physical exam every year. During your annual exam, the doctor will check what medication you are on and whether they are working or they should be adjusted. They will also ask about your lifestyle, any new allergies, and the state of your mental health. This is why it is essential to visit a wellness clinic. They will update your medical records and recommend any lifestyle adjustments to be made.

Find a healthcare provider that you can trust as health issues are very personal. You need someone who will be comfortable enough to open up to and bring up any concerns you may have.