Annual Physical Exams

The annual physical exam is something that every patient at Vanguard Medical Group should have on their calendar. Physicals are wellness exams and give your doctor a chance to make sure you are doing all the things you need to do to optimize your health and keep yourself healthy. It’s an opportunity to work with your doctor to make a proactive health and wellness plan.

What are Annual Physicals?

During an annual wellness exam, your doctor will talk to you about strategies to improve your health and promote wellness. This may include a discussion about your diet and exercise habits, sleep routine, or stress management techniques. It will also include recommendations for cancer screening and prevention, immunizations, and appropriate testing to help prevent illness. Your doctor may also recommend vitamins or lifestyle changes to improve your health. The annual physical is a valuable tool for you to work with your doctor to create a comprehensive wellness plan and for you to get connected with any needed resources.

The physical exam allows doctors to catch potential problems early and provide appropriate treatment or lifestyle change suggestions to steer you in a healthier direction. And while it may be tempting to skip annual physicals, they’re one of the best ways to maintain good health and eliminate illnesses before they become more serious.

What to Expect at an Annual Physical

The annual physical is customized for every patient. Based on your age, sex, and risk factors, your doctor will develop a prevention plan. For some, this many include a mammogram, pap smear, or breast exam, a colonoscopy, or screening for prostate cancer. Well child checks allow doctors to assess your child’s growth, physical and emotional development, as well as make sure children are up to date on vaccines and developing healthy habits.

In addition, if you have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, your doctor will perform appropriate testing to catch problems early.

In general, however, you can expect a doctor to do all or some of the following at an annual physical:

• Check your vitals (weight, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
• Update your family health history
• Ask about your mental health
• Ask about your diet and exercise routine
• Perform a head to toe physical examination

Have You Had Your Annual Physical Yet?

Whether you’re a new patient or an existing one, Vanguard Medical Group can help get you set up with an annual physical. Just give us a call or make an appointment online to book a date and time, so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with quality medical care.