Healthcare providers recommend annual physical exams – Midwood for everyone regardless of age. A routine examination helps promote your well-being by giving way to early intervention and prevention of any conditions you are susceptible to. The tests are usually conducted by your primary caregiver, a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant. Besides checking your overall health, a physical exam helps you develop a relationship with your primary caregiver, making it easier to seek help whenever you notice any strange symptoms. Here is more you need to know about a physical exam.
How do I prepare for a physical exam?
It is best to work with a primary caregiver of your choice, the one with who you feel most comfortable. It can be your personal or family doctor, but if you don’t have a PCP, you can source for one with the help of your health insurance. To get the most out of your session with your physician, you need to prepare ad this may mean having all your paperwork adequately filled out. Consider including the following in your preparations for a physical exam.
- Remember records of your personal and family history.
- Carry your diagnosis results from any recent tests.
- History of surgeries.
- List all the medications you are currently taking, including dietary supplements, herbal, and over-the-counter medications.
- A copy of the front and back of any implanted device you may have, such as a LINX device, pacemaker, or defibrillator.
- List any concerns you may have regarding your health and any symptoms you are experiencing.
What to expect during a physical exam
During a physical examination, your primary caregiver will:
Review and update your medical history
Expect to answer several questions concerning your lifestyle behaviors, including smoking, sexual health, diet, and exercise. Here is when you can mention any changes and concerns about your health to your doctor. A review of your vaccination history is also necessary, and the doctor may update your records if need be.
Check for vital signs
- Blood pressure. Your blood pressure is normal if it is less than 120 over less than 80, but 130 over 80 or anything higher than that is high blood pressure.
- Respiration rate. A healthy adult is expected to have 12 to 16 breaths per minute, and breathing more than 20 times can signify a problem. If your respiration rate is higher than usual, your doctor may need to check for possible problems in your heart or lungs.
- Temperature. If your temperature is significantly higher than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, that may signify a problem. Healthy individuals have resting temperatures that can be slightly higher or lower.
- Heart rate. Physicians consider 60 to 100 as the average heart rate, but it’s normal for healthy people to have less than 60.
Whether or not you are experiencing any signs and symptoms, a physical exam is essential for your overall well-being. Illnesses such as cancer may not present any symptoms during the early stages, and early detection improves the success rate for treatment. Book a session with your physician at New York Medical & Vascular Care for a physical examination to promote your health status.
