Yes, everyone needs a yearly physical. Even for individuals who feel like they are in great health, yearly physicals play an important role in keeping patients healthy. Read below to learn more about annual physicals and why it may be time to schedule an appointment for a yearly medical exam.
What is the purpose of a yearly physical?
Yearly physicals ensure the health and wellness of each patient and ideally recognize any indicators of potential medical conditions before they become serious. Just as healthy individuals prioritize eating a balanced diet and exercising, annual physicals are an essential element of preventative medicine. The simple evaluations at a yearly medical exam help detect any abnormalities before they become harmful and keep us feeling our best. As annual physicals are often covered by health insurance, there’s no physical or financial downside to checking in with a physician once a year.
What does a yearly physical include?
Although many people fear trips to the doctor, yearly physicals are usually straightforward and painless. A medical professional often begins a well-checkup by testing vital signs, including body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. As simple as it may seem, these three measures serve as a helpful indicator of a patient’s health at a basic level. A health professional will also examine height and weight, test reflexes, perform a physical exam that checks for any unusual lumps or lesions, and use a stethoscope to listen to the heart, lungs, and digestive system. These fundamental exams help doctors and nurses draw vital conclusions about the current state of a patient’s health and how it can be improved.
Many doctors and nurses also discuss mental and emotional health with patients, especially teenagers and young adults, to develop positive coping skills and promote awareness for the importance of mental health. Depending on each patient’s unique needs, a doctor or nurse may perform additional screenings or discuss any vaccines or medicines that may be beneficial.
Who can benefit from regular physicals?
Everyone can feel better from regular physicals, although certain groups of people may experience more noticeable benefits. Patients who are managing or working to prevent a chronic illness often find clarity from regular medical exams because they can discuss options to reduce the risk of ailments like heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes with their doctor. Depending on each patient’s unique medical history, a health professional’s recommendation to develop a healthy diet, maintain an exercise routine, or quit smoking could have a massive impact on a patient’s health and longevity.
From children and teens that need vaccines and growth check-ups to older adults battling chronic diseases, people of all ages can benefit from a yearly medical exam.
The team at All American Healthcare is passionate about working with you to improve your overall health. Whether through annual medical exams, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, or another one of our services, you deserve to live a vibrant, pain-free life. With Louisiana locations in Covington and Hammond, All American Healthcare makes it easy for our patients to achieve overall wellness with chiropractic care, holistic medicine, pain management, and physical rehabilitation. Learn more about what we do and visit us today!
