Our health is crucial because we won’t be able to do many things if we’re in poor condition. Unfortunately, many people often forget to take care of themselves, especially if they lead busy lives. Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet can do the trick, but this isn’t enough because our overall health needs attention. This is where annual health exams come in.
Annual health exams allow you to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have and receive routine screenings. These screenings can help detect problems early when they’re most treatable. Sometimes, it’s also the perfect opportunity to update any necessary vaccinations. Generally, an annual health exam is a check-up with your doctor to ensure you’re staying healthy. This usually includes a physical exam, as well as some blood work or other tests. They should be done at any age, but many people fail to do so because they think they’re fine. We’ll discuss the matter in this article, so read below to get started.
How Annual Health Exams Work
Annual health exams are an essential part of preventative healthcare. They help to catch potential health problems early before they become more serious. During an annual health exam, a doctor will usually take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order tests, such as blood work or a mammogram.
Your annual health exam is a chance to check in with your doctor about how you’re doing and discuss any new or concerning health issues. During the exam, your doctor will likely:
- Take your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and weight
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Check your ears, nose, throat, and lymph nodes
- Examine your skin for any changes or abnormalities
- Perform a breast exam in women of childbearing age or older (mammogram may be recommended)
You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns about your health. Your doctor may also recommend certain screenings or vaccinations based on age, sex, family history, lifestyle choices (such as smoking), and other factors.
How Your Health Needs Change Over Time
As you age, you must keep your health in check by getting a checkup every year. Health care needs and screenings change as you age.
At every age and stage of life, you need to stay proactive about your health. For example, you may need to start screenings for high blood pressure and cholesterol in your 20s and get vaccinated against human papillomavirus in your teens or early 20s. Your health care needs also change if you smoke or have other health risks like diabetes.
What to Expect During Your Annual Checkup
Your health needs will change over time as your life changes and your health changes. With regular wellness visits, your doctor can help you stay on top of your health and prevent problems before they start.
Infants and Children
As your child grows, their healthcare needs will change. Well-child visits (sometimes called well-baby visits) are essential occasions for discussion and advice.
As your child grows, the well-child visit will focus on your child’s development, which includes physical and social growth and emotional and intellectual development. Your doctor will also monitor your child for developmental delays and advise on eating, sleeping, and other activities.
As your child grows, your doctor will continue to guide you in nutrition, physical activity, safety, and emotional development.
Adolescents and Young Adults
Visits will focus on health promotion and disease prevention as your child enters adolescence and young adulthood. As your child enters adolescence, your doctor will talk with you and your child about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and risk-reduction behaviors. Your doctor will also guide you on coping with stress and handling other emotional issues.
As your child enters young adulthood, your doctor will talk with you and your child about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and risk-reduction behaviors. Your doctor will also guide you on coping with stress and handling other emotional issues.
Adults
As you enter adulthood, your healthcare needs will focus on preventive care and maintaining your overall health. You may need to pay more attention to your diet and fitness, and you may need to start screenings for certain conditions like cancer. You may also need to focus on managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
You should visit your doctor for regular checkups and get any recommended screenings or vaccinations. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking or excessive drinking are also important. By caring for yourself, you can stay healthy throughout adulthood and into old age.
Conclusion
It’s recommended to have an annual health checkup to ensure that you are in good health and to catch any potential problems early. This is especially important as you get older. Your doctor can recommend any necessary lifestyle changes or medications based on your health status.
If you’re looking for annual health exams in Troy, Family Medicine and Wellness can help you! We conduct comprehensive tests for our patients, so we assure you that you will know your health’s current status and what steps to take to maintain it. Call (248) 759-0993 today for a consultation!
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