Annual Check-up and Physical

New year = new goals, plans, and more experiences to check off your bucket list! Don’t forget about your health in the excitement of it all. As we get a fresh start this year, remember to schedule your annual physical! Checking up on your health will help your body and mind tackle all those adventures you have planned.

If you are feeling well, your annual physical may not seem important. Lots of people put them off or wait until something is wrong before getting checked out. But did you know that 80% of diseases are preventable? Seeing your doctor when you feel okay is a great way to keep yourself healthy; preventing future illness.

Your annual physical gives your doctor or medical professional the chance to assess your current physical condition and explore potential areas of concern. If this is your first time having a physical, it will be your doctor’s opportunity to create a baseline and determine what your norms are. Remember, it’s not a one and done! Most preventive care is covered by insurance and not only includes your annual physical, but also additional health services like blood tests, check-ups, and patient counseling to prevent or detect illness at an early stage when treatment is likely to work best.

Before going to your appointment, make sure you have certain information ready, in particular, your family history. Genetic traits and conditions are passed along from generation to generation, so giving your doctor insight into the your family health issues can help them develop a more complete picture of your health. And remember, be completely open and honest with your doctor if something is wrong or concerning you. Doctors can only examine and treat what they are aware of, so give them the whole picture.

Not sure where to start in organizing your family’s medical info? We’ve got tips on how to keep records of doctor’s appointments, medications, insurance plans, and more HERE.

What if you don’t have insurance? Organizations like Community Health Centers, Shepherd’s Hope, and Florida Department of Health, Orange County have preventive resources available. Please check with the providers to determine what services they offer before going.

Preventive Care for Adults & Teens

Not sure what should be on your list? We’re here to help by sharing some of the common screenings you should be aware of, for yourself and for your family members of every age. And remember, keeping your physical body in shape is important, but having an annual mental check-up is worthwhile as well. Other important things to discuss with your doctor are alcohol/substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and domestic violence. Being proactive not only helps you be more aware of your health and well-being, but also contributes to your overall quality of life.

1. Blood Pressure
2. Weight
3. Cholesterol
4. Skin Cancer
5. Colorectal Cancer (Adults – 50-75)
6. Depression/Mental Health
7. Diabetes
8. Vaccinations (Adults)
9. Eye Health
10. Dental Exam
11. Hearing Test
12. Immunizations/Vaccinations (Teens)
13. Prostate Cancer (Men)

Preventive Care for Women

Well-woman exams allow women to be proactive and take charge of their health. This includes screenings like:

Mammogram, Cervical Cancer & Pelvic Exam, Bone Density, Preconception Counseling, Pregnancy, Osteoporosis, Menopause, and Mental Health.

Preventive Care for Infants/Children

Although similar tests are performed for infants and children, here are some additional things to consider and guidelines for parents and caregivers to follow.

1. Plan Regular Visits (determined by age)
2. Immunizations & Vaccinations
3. Hearing Test
4. Vision Test
5. Dental Exam
6. Weight/Obesity
7. Prediabetes/Diabetes Screening
8. Skin Cancer
9. Depression Screening
10. Lead Exposure Screening
11. Tobacco Screening and Education
12. Monitor Child Development

Always consult your physician or healthcare professional for any concerns and recommendations for optimizing your health.