5 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip Your Annual Physical

Many of us pay more attention to our car’s maintenance than our own health. But an annual physical can catch medical issues before they become more serious, and gives you the chance to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Dr. Haala Hai and Dr. Afroze Hai focus on preventative care, such as yearly physicals for you and your family, at our Healthy Horizons Clinic in Pasadena, Texas. 

5 reasons to schedule a yearly exam

 When you’re busy with work, school, or family, it’s easy to overlook your health — and your loved ones’ too. Here are five reasons you should visit us for a physical at least once a year:

1. We assess your overall health

This includes checking your: 

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood glucose, and more

 Our doctors interpret your blood test results and discuss any potential issues, such as diabetes or heart disease. If necessary, they arrange follow-up testing. Our team also monitors any chronic problems to determine their progression and recommends lifestyle changes and treatments that may help.

Finally, we also provide sex-specific screenings, such as pelvic and breast exams for women, to ensure everything is in order. 

2. We keep your medical records current

 It’s important to keep your medical records up to date. Let us know about any new allergies, medications, and supplements. We’ll also note any changes to your family’s health.

 3. We review your vaccinations

 We go over the vaccinations you’ve had or may want, from shingles and pneumonia to HPV and the flu.

4. We give you a full-body exam

Your doctor performs a head-to-toe physical, checking your eyes, ears, neck, lymph nodes, lungs, heart, breasts, stomach, skin, joints, and more, to make sure every part of you stays in tip-top shape. It’s also a great time to raise concerns and receive referrals to any specialists.

During your exam, we check your:

Lungs. We listen for any wheezing or unusual sounds that may indicate lung disease.

Heart. Using a stethoscope, we check for murmurs, irregular heartbeats, or other signs of heart disease.

Abdomen. Tapping your abdomen reveals the size of your liver and the presence of any unwanted abdominal fluid.

Pulses and joints. We check your circulation and examine your joints.

Head and neck. From your tonsils to your thyroid gland, these areas provide a wealth of information about your health.

Height and weight. A high body mass index (BMI), a measurement of your total body fat, increases your risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes. We discuss any issues you may have and recommend ways to help, as needed. 

5. We check in on your emotional health

By asking a variety of questions, your doctor weighs in on your emotional, as well as physical, health.

Check in once a year for a lifetime of good health

Getting an annual check-up allows you to build a relationship with your primary physician while providing a baseline for future exams. It also helps uncover underlying conditions to get you back on the road to wellness.

Keep in mind, an annual physical is different from an annual wellness. A wellness exam may be an update on all your screenings and labs that are age appropriate but an annual physical actually includes a physical exam. 

Schedule yourself appropriately. 

If you’re ready to book a yearly check-up for you or a family member, or discuss any health concerns, call or schedule an appointment online at Healthy Horizons Clinic today.