Why You Need an Annual Physical
February 19, 2023
Getting an annual physical exam is your first line of defense against illness.
It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to have an annual physical exam. These exams can determine your health status. It is also a great way to identify health issues. When found early, many conditions can be treated before worsening. Annual physicals, sometimes called wellness visits, are also used simply to make sure you are staying healthy.
Why are physicals necessary?
Checkup on your overall health
During a physical exam, your primary care provider will be able to perform a variety of tests on you. Which tests your provider does are determined by your age, family history, and other risk factors. These tests can be crucial in keeping you healthy. Here are some common tests:
Blood Pressure
This test measures the force of blood pushing against the inside of your arteries. For most adults, the blood pressure level should be less than 120/80 mmHg. According to the CDC, the first number represents systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number represents diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Having high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. For many people, high blood pressure (technically known as hypertension) can be prevented by exercising regularly, limiting sodium intake, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.
Cholesterol
This test measures the amount of good and bad cholesterol in your blood. According to Johns Hopkins, the total amount of cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL. Of that…
- 130 mg/dl or less should be LDL, or bad cholesterol
- 60 mg/dL or more should be HDL, or good cholesterol
Having high cholesterol can clog your arteries with fat. This can cause clots to form and maybe even lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Blood glucose level
This test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It can also determine if diabetes is present. The normal range of fasting blood glucose should be 99 mg/dL or lower. Higher values above 126 mg/dL can indicate diabetes. A value between 100-125 can indicate pre-diabetes.
Vaccinations and Medications
Your annual physical is also a great time to get any vaccinations you need. Vaccinations are the best and safest way to boost your immune system against many diseases. During your physical exam, your primary care provider will be able to assess your medical history and determine what vaccinations are safe for you to take.
These vaccinations can help your body defend itself against COVID-19, influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and, for girls and women, HPV (human papilloma virus), among others.
It’s common for people who are on medication for a long time to need a change in how much they take. Visiting your doctor will help you update your medications and determine whether a different dose is needed. Your doctor may need to increase or decrease the dosage, or even switch you to a different medication, depending on how the medication is working for you.
Updating your Medical History
Visiting the doctor regularly can keep your doctor up to date on any recent medical activities in your life, including medical history events in your family. Tell your doctor about any changes you’ve had that could impact your health, including:
- Surgeries or other medical procedures.
- All prescription drugs you are taking, including those prescribed to you by other doctors.
- All non-prescription drugs you are using. Very important note: your doctor is sworn to secrecy, so be sure to tell them about illicit drugs you might use. These can interact with other medications to change their effectiveness.
- Any changes in smoking, alcohol use, sleep habits, stress or other factors that can impact your health.
- Finally, be sure to talk to your doctor about your family’s medical history. For example, if there is a history of heart disease in your close relatives, the doctor may suggest preventive screenings to check your heart’s health. Screenings also can also be done based on your age and social factors.