8 Reasons Why You Should Prioritize Your Annual Physical Exam

(Even If Your Boss Doesn't Require It)

Jonathan, 25 years old, is a happy-go-lucky guy who says yes to every adventure in a heartbeat. Whether running in the city, surfing the waves, hiking through the mountains, or playing pickleball with his friends, Jonathan has always found a way to make the most of every moment.

Despite his carefree spirit and laid-back attitude, Jonathan is also goal-oriented and passionate about his work. He didn’t have any issues maintaining a work-life balance.

With so many activities, Jonathan used to slack off on his yearly physicals. He felt fine and his boss didn’t require it, so he didn’t bother with his annual physical exam. But boy, was he wrong!

Two years ago, Jonathan noticed some changes in his body. He was prone to headaches and often felt lightheaded. Perhaps it was the stress of a new project, or maybe he was getting older.

He decided that it was time to take his health more seriously by scheduling his annual physical exam. When the results came out, he found out that he had slightly elevated blood pressure.

While the result wasn’t very alarming, it was a wake-up call for Jonathan. It encouraged him to pay more attention to his daily diet, exercise, and sleep. When he had another check-up several months later, his blood pressure had returned to normal.

It was at that point that Jonathan realized the importance of prioritizing preventive care. Even if his boss didn’t require it, Jonathan was grateful that he had taken the big step to prioritize his wellness.

Benefits of Prioritizing Your Annual Physical Exam

Detect Early Signs of Health Problems – Many health issues, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and certain cancers, often do not exhibit symptoms at their early stages. Undergoing routine exams and preventive screenings can detect these issues at their early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatments.
Establish a Wellness Baseline – Getting annual health exams helps you form a baseline for your health. Your doctor can compare the current state of your health with your baseline to identify any changes.
Assess Risk For Certain Health Conditions – Your medical history and annual health exams provide valuable information for risk assessment for certain diseases. Your healthcare provider can recommend diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other preventive measures based on your medical history and physical findings to reduce risk.
Monitor Chronic Health Conditions – Annual physical exams can help manage existing health conditions, avoid complications, and make sure that your treatment is working as intended.
Get Vaccination Updates – Staying up-to-date with vaccinations may shield you from preventable infectious diseases. Your annual physical exam is an ideal time to check your immunization record and discuss recommended vaccinations with your doctor.
Focus On Mental Health – Although annual physical exams are often centered on physical health, it is interconnected with your mental health, making them equally significant components of your overall well-being. For instance, stress, anxiety, and depression can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pains, or fatigue. On the other hand, physical health issues can also have a substantial impact on your mental well-being. Thus, it’s highly recommended to integrate mental health into annual check-ups.
Peace of Mind – Going to your annual check-ups provides peace of mind, reassuring you about your health and reducing stress and anxiety linked to health issues.
Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider – Going to annual physical exams and check-ups helps you build a trusting relationship with your doctor. This can make you feel more at ease discussing health concerns and receiving wellness advice.

What To Expect at Your Annual Physical Exam

Medical History – Your healthcare provider may ask you about past allergies, illnesses and surgical procedures, and family history of chronic health issues.
Vital Signs – Your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, etc. may be checked to assess your overall health.
Physical Examination – A thorough physical examination will be conducted, including your eyes, ears, nose, throat, chest, abdomen, and extremities.
Lab Tests – Your healthcare provider may request blood tests to assess the following:
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol levels
- CBC
- Others
Screenings – Depending on your age and risk factors, your healthcare provider may request that you undergo screenings like colonoscopy, bone density scan, mammogram, etc.
Follow-up and Recommendations – After your annual physical exam, your healthcare provider may discuss results and recommendations to prevent or manage specific health issues. Follow-up appointments may also be scheduled accordingly.

Make Your Health a Top Priority

Keep in mind that your health is your most valuable asset. Prioritizing annual physical exams, even though you feel great and it is not required at your workplace, is your key to a healthy future.

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