A physical is an examination of the body to detect diseases or conditions. A routine physical for adults includes checking a patient’s vitals, head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, throat (ENT), heart, lungs, abdomen, nervous system, skin, lymph nodes, blood cells, bones, and joints. It is the first step in determining one’s overall health and can detect any problems early on.
Physicals in Kingwood may also be called a general health check, medical examination, or annual checkup.
In the United States, annual physicals are a part of preventive medicine. Each year, adults should have a complete medical history and physical examination. The American Medical Association suggests that your physician take a detailed family history during your first appointment. You also can discuss which tests you may need, if any, as a follow-up to performed screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
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Why Should You Get A Physical?
It Can Help You Identify Problems Before They Get Out of Hand
Regular checkups can help your doctor detect health problems before they become serious. Some diseases and conditions that may not exhibit symptoms early, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, often do have warning signs. Early detection offers more treatment options and a greater chance for successful outcomes.
A physical exam is the only way to evaluate your overall health. Many conditions may go unnoticed without this kind of thorough evaluation.
It Can Identify Risk Factors
If you know your family history contains certain health risks, it would be helpful to see if you also are at risk. Some issues might remain undetected for years without proper testing. Your physician can help assess your risk factors for major diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.
It Will Help You Stay Healthy for Years to Come
Health screenings can help you maintain your health. Routine exams let significant medical problems be caught early when they are easier to treat. They also allow for counseling on behavioral changes that could improve your health, such as quitting smoking or following a healthier diet. Tests can help identify health problems before they make you sick.
Your doctor may also use a physical to determine whether you need treatment for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. Once your situation is under control, routine checkups let your doctor monitor the condition and ensure that your treatment plan works.
What Happens During a Physical?
A physical can include a variety of tests, procedures, and examinations. The only way to know for sure what will take place is to ask your doctor or schedule an appointment. At that time, you should discuss any concerns you have about the examination. Your checkup may last from 30 minutes up to an hour. The first part of an annual physical is typically a review of your medical history. The doctor may ask you questions about any symptoms you are experiencing and want to know about any previous health problems or surgeries.
To summarize, a physical is an examination of the body to detect diseases or conditions. It comes with different benefits. It can help you identify risk factors, identify problems before they become severe, and maintain good health in the long term. During a physical, your doctor conducts tests, procedures, and examinations.