Many people try to avoid visiting the doctor unless they have a severe illness. However, this is not the right mindset to have! In fact, regular physical exams can have many benefits, including helping you avoid many illnesses and even prolonging your life. A physical exam is just one of the many medical services provided by CheckPoint Urgent Care. So, how often should you schedule a physical exam and what happens at those appointments? Dive into the details below to learn all about the importance of regular physical exams.
When And Why To Schedule A Physical Exam
Doctor visits should not be limited to just those times when you have an illness. Regular physical exams are very important to your overall health, and they offer many other great benefits. Here is everything you need to know about scheduling your next physical exam.
Why Are Physical Exams Important?
Regular physical exams are important for a number of reasons. First, these exams allow you to receive appropriate preventive treatments to keep you from getting sick. Your doctor can assess your current health and risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive treatments that can help prevent you from getting certain illnesses.
Next, physical exams promote healthy behaviors and habits. During these exams, your doctor can assess your current lifestyle and behaviors and make recommendations that may help improve your quality of life and overall wellness. In addition, these exams allow you to build a relationship with your doctor, and they provide your doctor with more data and information about your overall health. This data can be extremely important, especially when diagnosing and treating chronic conditions.
Finally, regular exams are important because they provide you with more access to your doctor. Established patients can typically get appointments faster when illnesses do arise, and maintaining those regular appointments is important to being considered an established or existing patient.
How Often Are Physical Exams Needed?
The frequency at which you should schedule a physical exam depends on a few factors, like your age, current health, and potential risk factors. The general guidelines from the American Medical Association suggest that adults between the ages of 18 and 40 should receive a physical exam at least once every five years. The guidelines further suggest that adults over 40 should receive an exam every one to three years. It should be noted, however, that many medical offices require more frequent visits to maintain your status as an established patient.
While the recommendations above work well for most people, there are a few exceptions. Patients with pre-existing or chronic conditions should receive a physical exam at least once every year. Additionally, those at higher risk for certain conditions should also receive more frequent physical exams. Women should receive a yearly gynecological exam, and children should also have a yearly physical exam.
Purpose Of Regular Physical Examinations
Although we have already discussed the importance of regular physical exams, you may be wondering exactly what happens during the exam. Physical exams are usually very relaxed and conversational, and your doctor is likely to ask you questions about your current health and activity level. Typically, your doctor will perform some basic tests, like gathering your vitals, checking your ears, listening to your heart, and checking your reflexes. Physical exams are used to gather information about your health, and that information is used by your doctor to provide comprehensive medical treatment.
Physical exams can also be performed for specific purposes, like determining whether or not you are healthy enough to participate in certain activities. Many youth athletes must have a physical exam performed prior to participating in sports activities, and it is recommended that adults get clearance from their doctor prior to beginning certain exercise routines. Physical exams might also be used for certain types of screening, such as skin cancer or assessing your risk for age or weight-related conditions.
Schedule Your Physical Exam Today
CheckPoint Urgent Care is ready to take care of all your medical needs. If it has been more than a year since your last physical exam, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Don’t wait until you get sick to visit the doctor. Regular physical exams are extremely important to your overall health and wellness, and our professional team is ready to help you today.
