Why Are Annual Physicals Necessary?

Why Are Annual Physicals Necessary?

No matter your age or stage of life, annual physicals are crucial to your ongoing health. Visiting your doctor for regular preventive care is a wise way to identify and treat health issues before they worsen. These exams help you track your progress toward your health goals. The following are five reasons for an annual physical.

Assessing Your Overall Health

Depending on your risk factors, age, lifestyle, and family history, your doctor may order blood tests and other screenings during your annual physical, including:

  1. Blood pressure screening- Measures the force of your blood against your arteries. A reading lower than 120/80 is considered normal.
  2. Cholesterol screening- Measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. A total cholesterol reading of lower than 200 mg/dL is considered normal. An LDL, or bad cholesterol, reading of less than 130 mg/dL, is considered normal, and an HDL, or good cholesterol, reading of more than 60 mg/dL is considered healthy.
  3. Blood glucose screening- Measures the amount of sugar in your blood. An A1C reading of less than 5.7 percent is considered normal.
  4. Osteoporosis screening- Uses an imaging test called a DEXA scan to check for osteoporosis or osteopenia. This is recommended for women starting at age 65 unless risk factors warrant earlier testing and for men starting at age 70.
  5. Body mass index (BMI) calculation- Which uses your height and weight to determine your healthy weight. A BMI of 18.6 to 24.9 is considered normal.

These tests enable your doctor to make recommendations for follow-up testing, as well as lifestyle, exercise, or diet changes that help you improve or maintain your health.

Updating Vaccinations

Vaccines are not just for kids. Adults also need to keep their vaccines up to date. Your doctor will review your vaccination history and your risk factors during your annual physical and might recommend immunizations, including:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine- The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness and death related to COVID.
  2. Tdap vaccine- The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular, contains no cells, pertussis, or whooping cough, and requires a booster for adults.
  3. Flu vaccine- Flu shots are recommended each year for most people age 6 months and older.
  4. HPV vaccine- The HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
  5. Pneumonia vaccine- If you have asthma, are a smoker, or are older than age 65, your doctor may recommend this vaccine to prevent lung infections.
  6. Shingles vaccine- The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50.
  7. Hepatitis B vaccine- If you have diabetes or a condition that affects your immune system, your doctor may recommend the hepatitis B vaccine.

Screening for Cancer

Maintaining routine cancer screenings can increase your chances of detecting cancer in the earliest stage. Your doctor will consider your age and risk factors during your annual physical and might recommend cancer screenings.

Updating your Medical Records

A lot can happen in a year, so it is important to keep your medical records up to date. Your annual physical is the perfect time to share with your doctor any changes that might affect your health, including:

  1. Medication changes- Provide current prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
  2. Allergies: Food, environmental, and medication allergies can cause reactions; share with your doctor if you think you have a new allergy.
  3. Social history- Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, including smoking habits, alcohol intake, and sexual activity. Your doctor may also ask if you have spoken to your family about your health care.
  4. Mental health- Your doctor will screen for depression or anxiety.
  5. Family history- Your doctor will ask if anyone in your family has developed any new health conditions.

Establishing a Relationship with Your Doctor

Your doctor is your health care partner. An annual physical exam is a terrific way to get to know each other. During your annual physical, the focus is on your overall wellness and the preventive care you need to stay healthy.

Related Article: Does Insurance Cover Annual Physicals?