What Are Annual Physicals?
An annual physical is an appointment during which your doctor assesses your general health. They provide preventive screenings and make health recommendations. Annual physicals help increase the chances that your doctor identifies a disease at an early stage, making it easier to treat.
Why Do You Need an Annual Physical?
An annual physical increases your chances of catching health conditions early when they are easier to treat. Seeing your doctor helps establish a baseline for your health each year. By going regularly, your doctor can easily spot small health changes.
Your doctor is trained to spot these early signs of diseases. They can also recommend lifestyle changes to maintain your overall health.
What to Expect During an Annual Physical
When you arrive, you are asked if you have any updates to your health history. They will usually measure your height, weight, and vital signs. Then, your doctor will:
- Ask if you have any concerns about your health.
- Check your head, neck, heartbeat, and lungs.
- Recommend lifestyle or medication changes, if needed.
Your doctor may also give you vaccinations, order bloodwork, and schedule preventive screenings. You might need a follow-up appointment or a referral for specialty care, depending on the exam results.
What Should an Annual Physical Include?
Your annual physical might be slightly different. In general, an annual physical usually includes key assessments.
Your General Appearance
Your doctor can collect a lot of information about your health simply by interacting with you. For example, they will observe whether you can stand and walk, and if you can answer questions clearly and quickly. They may also examine your skin.
Depression Screening
Your doctor might ask you about your mood, sleeping habits, and energy levels. You could also complete a questionnaire that screens for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. If you show signs of depression or anxiety, your doctor may offer treatment.
Health History
Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, how often you exercise, your diet, and whether you drink alcohol or smoke. They will check your recent vaccinations and ask if you have updates to your family history.
Vital Signs
Every annual physical includes a check of your vital signs:
- Blood pressure- Healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80. You might need treatment to lower your blood pressure if your blood pressure is greater than 140/80.
- Heart Rate- A healthy pulse is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Many people have a pulse lower than 60 and are still in good health. They measure your pulse and heart rate by placing two or three fingers on the inside of your wrist.
- Respiration- Your doctor counts how many breaths you take in a minute. Between 12 and 16 is considered healthy. More than 20 breaths per minute could indicate a lung or heart problem.
- Temperature- Healthy people have a temperature of around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Your temperature could be slightly higher or lower.
Head and Neck Exam
Your doctor looks in your ears, nose, and mouth to check for signs of health problems. They usually also feel the lymph nodes in your neck.
Heart Exam
In addition to your heart rate, your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your heartbeat. This can help detect signs of heart problems.
Lung Exam
Your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your chest and back as you breathe. Any wheezes or crackles might suggest a lung or heart problem.
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