You might feel fine, but your body could be hiding a problem. A yearly physical gives your doctor a chance to check your whole body, even before you feel sick. These visits can help catch small issues before they turn into big ones. In many cases, a simple annual check-up can even save your life.
Getting your annual physical is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and avoid surprise health problems.
1. An Annual Physical Finds Problems Early
A yearly physical helps your doctor find health problems early before they get serious. For example, high blood pressure might not cause pain, but it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A quick blood pressure check during your visit can catch it early. The same is true for diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Catching these problems early means easier treatment and a better chance of staying healthy.
2. An Annual Physical Gives You Important Screenings
During your annual physical, your doctor may give you tests called screenings. These include checking your blood, your weight, and your blood pressure. Depending on your age, your doctor may also suggest tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, or colon cancer.
These screenings are done to help find diseases early, even if you feel okay. For women, pap smears or mammograms are common. For men, it might include a prostate check or blood test. These tests are quick, and they give your doctor important clues about your health.
3. An Annual Physical Helps You Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
Vaccines help protect you from diseases that can make you very sick. At your annual check-up, your doctor will look at your vaccine history. You might get a flu shot, COVID-19 booster or Tdap
If you are over 50, your doctor may offer vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. If you have diabetes or another health condition, you may need extra protection with the hepatitis B shot.
4. An Annual Physical Keeps Track of Changes in Your Health
Even small changes in your weight, blood sugar, or blood pressure can make a big difference. That is why your yearly physical is so helpful. Your doctor will look at how your health has changed since your last visit.
This is your time to talk about any new pain, questions, or changes. Maybe you started a new medicine or had a new symptom. Your doctor can help you figure out what it means and what to do next.
5. An Annual Physical Helps Build a Strong Relationship With Your Doctor
A good relationship with your doctor makes it easier to talk about your health. During a yearly physical, you get more time to ask questions and share your concerns. Your doctor gets to know you better, too. That way, if something changes later, they have a full picture of your health.
You can talk about your sleep, mood, diet, or anything else that is on your mind. This visit is for you, not just for your test results.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
A yearly physical is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy. It gives you a fresh start each year. If you have not had your annual check-up yet, now is the time to schedule it.
At Jai Medical Systems, we care about your health. We are here to help you get the care you need, when you need it. If you have questions about your coverage or need help finding a doctor, please contact us today at 1-888-524-1999.