When was the last time you had an annual physical? If it’s been more than a year, which is the case for many people, you are long overdue.
An annual physical is a doctor’s appointment in which your overall health, medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms are evaluated. Unlike a doctor’s appointment that’s conducted after symptoms or illness develop, an annual physical is preventive in nature, which means a health problem doesn’t need to exist prior to the appointment.
Here is why annual physicals are important.
Catch Health Conditions Early On
Annual checkups are an opportunity to deal with small issues before they become serious. Many health issues develop slowly with no apparent symptoms in the beginning. By the time the condition is diagnosed, it could potentially progress significantly, causing you a host of symptoms that last a lot longer than they would have with early intervention. Examples include high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Annual physicals are an opportunity for your doctor to assess your risk of many health problems that you may not be aware you are at risk for. Many of these health problems can become challenging to treat in later stages, so it’s best to deal with them early on – or better yet, prevent them from developing in the first place.
Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or any other chronic condition, you should definitely be going for annual checkups. Regardless of how well you may think you are managing your condition, a doctor should review and evaluate your disease management plan as well as medications you take on a regular basis. This is critical to maintaining good health and preventing conditions from spiraling into dangerous territory.
Preventive Care
During your annual physical, your doctor will discuss screenings and immunizations that are appropriate for your age group or for someone with your medical history. Screenings (such as for various cancers) can guard you from very serious illnesses and even save your life. There are many screenings that should be done at various points of life. If you have a family history of certain conditions, your screening needs may be different. As such, regular annual physical exams are an opportunity for your doctor to review steps you should take to be proactive in protecting yourself from illnesses.
Additionally, immunizations are necessary for all age groups. As you get older, you may need an vaccine or booster for a previously administered vaccine in order to protect yourself from serious health issues. Examples include shingles and pneumonia vaccines – both of which are highly recommended for older adults.
Annual checkups are important for everyone – regardless of your age or health status. Be proactive about your health and talk to your primary care physician about getting an annual physical scheduled today.
Annual Physicals in Putnam County, GA
It’s always better to prevent a health issue than it is to treat it after it develops. That’s why, at Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine, we highly encourage patients to get annual physicals – even if you’re feeling your best health-wise. Let us help you get and stay healthy by scheduling an annual physical today.
