When you are short on time, it's tempting to skip your annual wellness exam, but this is the one visit you don't want to miss. A regular wellness exam can save time in the long run by condensing screenings and labs into one visit and identifying potential health problems early when they are most manageable.
“Even if you feel well, a regular checkup is a good idea to stay on top of your health. You can discuss your health with your doctor and stay up to date on recommended screenings and vaccinations,” says Lisa Knust, M.D., a family medicine physician with Riverside Eagle Harbor Primary Care.
The anatomy of a wellness exam
If it's been a while since your last visit, you may not know what to expect at an annual exam. Sometimes this appointment is known as a physical. The purpose is to assess your physical and mental health, provide healthy lifestyle advice and screen for potential health problems.
Your visit may include:
- A physical exam
- Drawing labs through blood or urine samples
- Measuring weight and height
- Taking blood pressure and temperature
- Review of health history and concerns
- Vaccinations
“It’s normal to feel anxious about a visit to the doctor. But it's important to keep in mind that regular checkups are a good way to prevent health problems from occurring in the first place,” says Dr. Knust.
The benefits of a regular checkup
From screening for potential health problems to staying up to date on the latest medical advice, a regular exam comes with many health benefits for men.
Keep tabs on your important numbers
Your doctor will monitor and discuss all your important numbers during your visit, including labs, vital signs, weight and height. For each measure, there is a healthy range. When you return each year, your doctor will compare your numbers over time and look for trends that indicate health concerns or potential disease.
You’ll have different measurements based on your age and family history according to Dr. Knust. Some common measurements include:
- Vital signs: pulse, blood pressure
- Body size: weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference
- Labs: blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Put your concerns to rest
Do you have nagging knee pain? Are you feeling down in the winter months? Is there a new supplement you want to try? To make sure your doctor addresses your concerns consider writing down questions as they come up in the weeks leading up to your appointment and bring your list with you. No question is off-limits during your exam. It's your time to get answers and clear up any confusion so you can stay active and enjoy life.
Receive personalized healthy lifestyle advice
Your doctor will provide tailored healthy lifestyle advice based on your visit and health history, from exercise to diet, sleep, and stress. Whether you are preventing or treating common chronic conditions like being overweight or diabetes, you’ll leave your visit with information you can apply immediately to help you achieve optimal health.
Schedule your appointment for peace of mind today
If you don’t already have a date on the calendar, schedule an appointment with Dr. Knust or your provider for a wellness exam today. A short visit once a year is all it takes to get your health in order.
