Why do I need an annual physical exam?
Your annual exam at Mannam Medical Center is an excellent opportunity to check in on your health, have preventive health screenings, and get treatment and advice to improve your overall wellness.
Many health conditions don’t cause symptoms in their early stages or develop so gradually that you don’t notice a change in your wellness. During an annual exam, your provider can compare your current health and test results to information from previous years and quickly identify any changes.
Early diagnosis is critical to getting the treatment you need to protect your health and avoid uncomfortable or distressing symptoms. Treatment is also usually less invasive and disruptive for the early stages of a disease.
What happens during an annual physical exam?
After you check in with the friendly office staff, a member of the clinical team checks your height, weight, and blood pressure.
Then, you meet with your provider. They review your medical history and ask about any health changes you’ve noticed or other concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional health. Your provider listens to your heart and lungs and looks into your eyes, ears, mouth, and throat. They feel your abdomen and muscles. Your provider also checks your reflexes and balance.
If necessary, the team at Mannam Medical Center provides tests, such as to screen for asthma, COPD, or diabetes. Testing may include:
- EKGs
- Spirometry and other breathing tests
- Pap smears
- Breast exams
- Prostate exams
- Blood tests
At the end of your appointment, you and your provider talk about how to improve your health. They might offer lifestyle recommendations to lower your blood pressure or weight or prescribe medication to treat another chronic disease.
How should I prepare for my annual exam?
In general, you don’t need to do much to prepare for an annual exam. Make sure you have your ID, insurance information, and a list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you take daily.
You might need to fast if you’re going to have bloodwork. A standard blood panel usually tests your:
- Complete blood count
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Blood sugar
- Thyroid hormones
- Enzyme markers
- Vitamins and minerals
Blood tests provide essential information about your health and can reveal health problems before you even experience symptoms.
If you’re due for an annual exam, call Mannam Medical Center, or make an appointment online today.
