Do you dread your annual physical with your doctor?
You aren't alone. Alongside dental check-ups, doctors' appointments are some of the most dreaded medical assessments out there, as people feel that they may be judged and lectured by their healthcare professionals.
However, routine physicals are important and if you are thinking of skipping yours, here are five reasons not to!
1. Assessing General Health
The main role of an annual physical is for you and your doctor to touch base, and have an honest conversation about your health.
Irrespective of whether your check-up is with Premier Primary Care or your local family medicine doctor, be sure to talk to them openly about any concerns you have relating your lifestyle, stress levels, skin conditions, etc. They will take your blood pressure and weight and may draw some blood to get a comprehensive look at your overall health, which will help them tailor their advice.
2. Updating Vaccines
Vaccines aren't something that only kids and babies get.
Adults require vaccines, too and your annual physical is the ideal setting to get them. You will be asked about your COVID-19 vaccines, and, of course, you will have any vaccines updated, such as the shingles vaccine, the flu vaccine, your tetanus shots, and, if you are a woman, your HPV vaccine.
3. Cancer Screening
Much like a dental check-up, your doctor will want to perform cancer screening at your annual physical.
They will first need to assess the risk based on your age, your risk factors (such as smoking and drinking), and any family history of this disease. This is also the perfect time to report any concerns you may have to them, even if it is a mole on your arm that is itchy!
Most cancers that are caught early respond favorably to treatment, so be sure to undertake your annual physical if only to be screened and to catch cancers at the earliest opportunity.
4. Updating Records
A lot can change in a year, and keeping your doctor updated is important.
If you have been having issues with allergies, then it is worth reporting, so it can be investigated. If you have been having issues with your mental health, it is worth reporting. Of course, it is also worth noting that you should inform your doctor of any familial changes at an annual physical. If you have had a close relative pass away from cancer, this will be noted and kept for future reference. Have you had a family member get diagnosed with dementia or Parkinson's? Tell your doctor, as this updated family history can act as a screening tool for potential future issues.
5. Getting Lifestyle Advice
It is extremely common to get caught up in daily life, to the point where you may forget basic self-care.
By meeting with your doctor and being honest, you can get lifestyle advice that is catered to improving your overall health and wellbeing. This could be things as simple as tips on how to reduce sugar, to smoking cessation. Remember, you must be honest with your doctor- they won't judge you!
