Physicals Specialist

Why do I need a physical?

While you may need a physical for work, school, or sports, your annual physical is a critical part of preventive health care. A physical exam allows your primary care provider to monitor your overall health and vital signs on a routine basis.

For example, your provider offers tests and screenings during your physical to identify the early signs of health problems such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These records help your provider identify any changes in your health and offer treatment before you even develop noticeable symptoms.

What happens during a physical?

During a physical, you begin with some paperwork when you check in with the friendly office staff. When you’re called back to the treatment rooms, your provider measures your height, weight, and blood pressure. Your primary care provider talks to you about your overall health and lifestyle and any health changes or new symptoms you’ve noticed.

In most cases, your provider begins by listening to your heart and lungs and examining your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Your provider palpates your abdomen for signs of abnormality or swelling in your liver and other abdominal organs.

They may also order blood and urine tests to monitor your health including screenings for:

• Cardiac health
• Gastrointestinal health
• Thyroid and hormone levels
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Cancer

Your annual physical is also an opportunity to ask questions about your health and get advice on how you can improve it. Your provider can also complete any paperwork needed by your employer, school, or sports team to prove that you are fit and able to participate and perform your duties as required.

How often should I have a physical?

In general, you should have an annual physical. A yearly checkup allows your provider to keep an eye on your health. There’s enough time between annual appointments for any changes in your health or vital signs to be apparent, even if they’ve developed so slowly that you haven’t noticed, or like high-blood pressure, they don’t cause noticeable symptoms.

If you need a routine checkup or a physical for sports, school, or work, call Low Testosterone & Weight Loss Center or make an appointment online today.