After the age of 3, most people need a physical exam once every year. Routine exams keep you healthy and prevent chronic diseases because they allow your provider to catch early signs of health problems.

Most chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, don’t cause symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Once they progress to more serious stages, they often can’t be cured.

Finding signs before you have symptoms allows you to make lifestyle changes or begin treatments at an early stage, while you still have time to prevent the full-blown disease.

What happens during a physical exam?

Your provider begins by taking your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Then, they review your medical history to learn about any problems or concerns since your last visit.

It’s important to tell your provider about all of the medications and supplements you take. If it’s easier, make a list or drop them all into a bag and bring them with you to your appointment.

The next step is a thorough physical exam. Depending on your age and the results of your exam, your Family and Internal Medicine Center provider may draw blood for a routine screening or collect urine for an analysis.

A urinalysis can quickly reveal signs of diabetes, kidney and liver disease, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Blood tests reveal the general health of organs like your heart, liver, and kidneys, and detect many possible problems, including high cholesterol and deficiencies in blood sugar and nutrients.

What services might I receive during a physical exam?

Your Family and Internal Medicine Center provider offers a range of services based on your unique health care needs, including:

• Pelvic and breast exam
• Pap smear
• STD testing
• Prostate exam
• Hormone testing
• Cognitive assessment
• Nutrition counseling
• Weight loss management
• Medication management
• Health screenings
• Chronic disease treatment
• Mental health assessment

Though a quick mental health assessment is frequently part of a routine physical, Family and Internal Medicine Center offers more than a basic assessment. They also provide treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.

Call Family and Internal Medicine Center or book an appointment online to schedule your physical exam today.