Have you gotten your yearly physical exam? If you are like many Americans, you probably haven’t been to the doctor for this preventive health exam in a long time, and you probably don’t have any plans to go any time soon. A lot of people think that the yearly physical exam is a waste of time and money, but it is indeed crucial to your health. Below, we discuss what the preventive health exam is and why it is so important.
What is the Preventive Health Exam (PHE)?
Visiting your doctor for a yearly exam is a way to maintain accurate records about your health so that if anything comes up in the future, your doctor knows your history and can give you the best care possible.
In these yearly checkups, you build trust and a relationship with your physician, which can be a great benefit when it comes to discussing preventive care and lifestyle options like diet and exercise. This trust also means you are more likely to contact your doctor for help and advice about your health when you need it.
In a yearly physical exam, your doctor may check the following things for signs and symptoms of underlying illnesses:
Your medical history
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiration rate
Temperature
The physician will also listen to your heart, which can help detect things like heart murmurs and early signs of heart disease. Other tests are done to listen to your breathing for signs of heart or lung disease. The doctor may also look at the inside of your mouth to examine your tonsils and your throat. They will also check on your lymph nodes, ears, sinuses, eyes, and thyroid for any signs of looming health concerns.
These tests are preventive measures that can catch diseases early, and they may even help prevent some diseases altogether.
Do I really need to go to the doctor every year?
If you are young and have a healthy lifestyle, you probably don’t need to see a physician every year. However, a yearly exam can provide peace of mind and help catch any looming health problems. These annual checkups are also an excellent way to develop trust with your doctor so that you feel comfortable visiting them when you have concerns about your health.
You get out what you put in
To get the most out of your yearly checkup, be sure to ask your doctor plenty of questions about your health and bring up any new symptoms or concerns. You should talk openly with your physician and build a relationship with them, so that they can give you the best care possible.
During your checkup, you might ask these common questions:
Are there any health risks associated with my family history?
Is stress impacting my health?
Am I old enough to need any further health screenings?
Do I need to adjust my diet and exercise?
What vaccinations do I need?
What do my numbers mean?
Of course, if there is anything you don’t understand about your exam, be sure to ask your physician for clarification.
Choosing a primary care physician is the first step that will help make sure you are healthy for years to come. Schedule an appointment today and start building a relationship with your doctor!
Discover How Crimson Care is A Leader in Primary Healthcare in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty -- along with his entire Crimson Care team -- is committed to making medical services convenient and accessible. The clinic offers three Tuscaloosa locations: Skyland, Veterans Memorial and McFarland. All locations offer extended weekday hours and one-stop treatment services including medical care, x-rays, lab work, and prescription dispensing. Crimson Care also offers digital access through its online patient portal. Request prescription refills, complete any necessary patient forms online, review your medical records at any time, and even pay your bill. Check us out today on our website, or give us a call today at Crimson Care Veterans: (205) 507-1100, Crimson Care Skyland: (205) 507-1119, or First Care: (205) 349-2323.