3 WAYS ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS HELP KEEP YOU HEALTHY

Having an annual physical exam is one of the best things you can do for your health. Yet, even though a physical only takes about an hour or so, a lot of people wind up skipping their exams — and missing out on many important benefits.

At Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center, Danette J. Joseph, MD, performs comprehensive physical exams to help patients in Hershey, Pennsylvania, enjoy optimal health at every stage of life. Not sure why having an annual physical is so important? Here are three benefits of having that all-important yearly exam.

1. SPOT EARLY SIGNS OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Many diseases begin with very subtle symptoms, and some medical problems can be present for years before their signs become evident to you. That means a serious medical problem, like Type 2 diabetes or heart disease, could have a lot of time to progress before you even know you have it.

Having annual exams is the best way to spot these early signs through lab tests and in-depth evaluations. Plus, having exams every year allows Dr. Joseph to compare your current results with the results of earlier exams, looking for small changes that could indicate an underlying disease process.

Our team tailors your physical exam to your specific needs, recommending blood tests, urinalysis, diagnostic imaging, and other lab testing aimed at identifying health problems early. With annual exams, you could reduce your risks of heart attack, stroke, and other acute and chronic medical problems.

2. TAILOR HEALTH CARE TO YOUR NEEDS

The human body changes a lot during an average lifetime, and our lives change, too. That means our health needs are always evolving — sometimes dramatically.

Your annual exam gives Dr. Joseph the opportunity to revisit your health needs on a regular basis, making recommendations tailored to your unique needs. That includes medical screenings, like mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate screenings, as well as blood tests for diseases, such as hepatitis.

Your exam is also the perfect time to talk to Dr. Joseph about health concerns or lifestyle issues that could be affecting your overall wellness. In fact, we recommend making a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss ahead of time, then bringing that list with you to your visit. Bonus: Regular visits help establish a bond of trust with your doctor, so you feel more comfortable discussing even the most sensitive health-related issues.

3. LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE

Your physical exam isn’t just about medical treatments. It’s also about gaining insight into your specific health risks, along with education about what you can do to stay healthy. Annual exams mean that every year, we can revisit your health and lifestyle goals and establish a plan to meet those goals together.

During your exam, Dr. Joseph can provide you with health guidance based specifically on your needs and goals. That could mean changes to your diet, implementing a new exercise routine, or ways to relieve stress and improve your mental health.

Your exam is also a good time to make sure that your immunizations are up to date. As an adult, you could benefit from an annual flu vaccine, hepatitis vaccine, tetanus shot, and shingles or pneumonia vaccine, among others.

Ready to get on the path to preventive health care? Schedule your annual physical exam today by calling Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center and speaking with one of our friendly staff members or booking online.