The Importance of Annual Physicals

Most people aren’t eager to visit the doctor, especially when feeling fine. However, annual physicals play a critical role in helping you stay healthy, especially as you get older. Here’s why you should never skip your annual exam.

Doctor visits aren’t just for when you’re not feeling well. Annual physicals are also important, helping you prevent illness and maintain optimal health at every age and every stage of life.

At Health Meets Wellness, our team provides patient-centered primary care, including comprehensive physicals focused on each person’s unique health needs, lifestyle, and other factors. Here’s why it’s important not to skip your annual physical exam.

Keep your health records up to date

There’s no doubt your health needs change over time, sometimes dramatically. Having an annual physical ensures your health records stay up-to-date, keeping track of surgeries or other medical treatments you’ve had, along with a history of medical tests, lab work, and diagnostic imaging. Records also reflect medications you’ve taken, any allergies, and risk factors that could make you more prone to problems in the future.

Spot — and treat — health concerns early

Keeping track of your health over time also helps our providers spot early signs of diseases or disorders so you can take steps to prevent complications.

Many diseases and disorders, like high blood pressure or heart disease, cause very subtle signs and symptoms, particularly in their earliest stages. Regular visits help our team identify slight changes in your health that can help us provide proactive treatment to prevent progression to a more serious stage.

Make sure your care is matched to your needs

Regular exams enable us to tailor your care to your risk factors, like age, family medical history, and gender. Annual checkups also give our team the opportunity to make sure you’re receiving the screening tests and other medical care you need to manage your risk factors and related medical issues. That includes urinalysis, blood tests, prostate exams, mammograms, other screenings, and recommended immunizations.

Learn how to improve your health

Lab work and medical screenings are important for staying ahead of health problems. However, you need to do your part, too. Annual exams allow our team to discuss simple lifestyle changes based on your personal needs and risk factors so you can play a proactive role in maintaining good health as you age.

Get answers to your health questions

Regular exams provide a chance to discuss physical and emotional health-related concerns and get answers to your questions. Having a yearly visit also helps build a stronger bond and deeper feelings of trust, so you feel more confident and comfortable speaking frankly with our team.

Schedule your annual physical today

Having annual physicals is one of the best ways to protect your health and wellness as you age. Best of all, most exams take only about an hour—a small investment that can provide you with a lifetime of better health.

To schedule your annual physical, call 934-203-8941 or request an appointment online with the team at Health Meets Wellness in Midtown East, New York City, today.