Why it’s Important to get Regular Physical Exams
“Self-care” is a popular term these days. While medical professionals have always touted the benefits of habits that reduce stress and promote wellness, now you can hardly have a conversation without hearing about the latest craze in self-care.
Looking to improve your overall mental and physical health? Ask yourself: when is the last time you went to your doctor for a check-up? If you can’t remember, or the answer is more than a year, make that appointment today!
Here are just some of the benefits to getting regular physical exams:
Monitor Hidden Health Factors
Certain indicators of health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid functioning, operate below the surface – you may not even know there’s an issue until you get screened by your doctor.
Your doctor can also check up on your mental health during a physical and help with appropriate referrals or advice.
These screenings allow the doctor to set a baseline for your health, against which they can monitor any changes over time.
Early Detection & Prevention
As discussed above, once the doctor knows your baseline health through regular screenings, they can be on the lookout for changes in health or symptoms of disease. By seeing you regularly, your doctor will be better able to assist in disease prevention, early detection, and offering treatment options.
Build a Relationship with your Doctor
Just like any relationship, you will become more comfortable with your doctor over time. When you get regular physical exams, you lay the foundation for an excellent relationship with your doctor.
Going to the doctor can be stressful. This stress can be alleviated by fostering an open, non-judgmental, and trusting relationship. Be sure to be as honest as possible about your lifestyle, including drinking and smoking habits, and any health concerns or questions you have. An ongoing relationship with the same provider will allow them to monitor concerns over time, and help you set and achieve health-related goals together.
If you do not feel comfortable being open and truthful with your doctor, consider switching providers until you find the right fit.
Make the Most of Your Physical
No matter how often you visit your doctor, make sure you come prepared with all you need to make the most of this time.
Here are some tips:
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to check in and fill out any paperwork.
- Know your medication details, including names, dosage, and any side effects you may be experiencing.
- Bring your vaccination records, including the dates of your last pertussis, tetanus, and flu shots.
- Bring a list of questions you have about your health, medications, and any changes you have noticed since your last visit.
- Be as truthful as possible – your doctor can only give you effective care when they have the full picture of your health and habits (yes, that includes smoking and drinking).
FYI -“Regular” does not necessarily mean “annual”
Recent research has questioned the age-old advice that everyone should get a physical once per year. It may be appropriate for you to only get a physical once every two or three years, but that depends on a number of health factors.
Below are some general guidelines about how often you should schedule a physical. Remember to always talk to your doctor before making changes to your healthcare routine.
- Those who are under 30, nonsmokers, at a healthy weight, with no chronic conditions or risk factors for disease who do not take prescription medication can wait two years between physical exams. Everyone else should plan to get an annual physical.
- Sexually active women should get regular cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears) beginning at age 21 and should discuss the frequency of these exams with their doctor.
- Beginning at age 40, women should plan to get a baseline mammogram every 1-2 years.
- Beginning at age 50, both men and women should get a colon cancer screening (colonoscopy) every 10 years, or more frequently if there is a family history, colon polyps, or an abnormal result.
In addition to regular physical exams with your doctor, consider adding chiropractic to your healthcare routine. Learn more about the health benefits of chiropractic or schedule an appointment today.
