An annual physical may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s still important to recognize when you need one! Learn everything you need to know about when to get a physical with MainStreet Family Care.
When Do I Need An Annual Physical?
Primary care providers typically perform annual physicals. These exams allow you and your provider to understand your overall health and discuss your medical and family histories. Annual exams can even uncover health problems early, and your provider can recommend specialists for a variety of conditions.
For people with good health, experts recommend getting a physical exam every year beginning at age 40. If you smoke or have a family history of cancer, you may need to get an annual exam earlier than 40.
Ready to get a physical exam? Let MainStreet Family Care help! We offer annual physicals through our primary care services.
Why Do I Need A Physical Every Year?
While you may not think your body has changed much in the last year, you should still keep a check on what’s going on underneath the surface. Annual physicals help you stay on top of your health!
Aside from the physical examination, your provider will check your vitals signs, your height and weight and draw blood for labs. All this helps your provider compare your current health to previous years’ exams. This could show your progress in your health journey or uncover things that you may need to work on in the future. They say knowledge is power, which is why it’s important to get a physical each year.
What To Expect At Your Annual Exam
There are a few things you can expect to happen at your annual physical exam.
First, you will talk to your provider about any worries you have. You will also discuss your medical history and your family history. This can include anything from mental health problems to physical issues you may be facing.
Once you finish with this portion of the exam, the provider will start the actual physical examination. They will listen to your heart, check your blood pressure and look at other vital signs. Then they will look over every part of your body, as well as check your muscle and joint function. Your provider may even have you walk around to see how you move normally.
After the provider has finished this part, they will draw blood and run several tests. These include cancer screenings and checking for chronic conditions like heart disease. You can expect to get your results back in a few days.
Other Yearly Exams to Consider
Aside from your yearly physical and following general health guidelines, consider other yearly exams with specialty medical professionals.
Experts recommend women get yearly pelvic and breast exams to check for cervical and breast cancer. Men over 50 should receive yearly prostate exams to check for prostate cancer.
Turn To MainStreet Family Care
Need primary care services that you can rely on? Visit MainStreet Family Care!
We offer primary care services seven days a week and can even schedule same-day and next-day appointments.
To schedule your appointment, visit the patient portal. We look forward to seeing you!
