We all make appointments to see our doctors for a variety of different reasons. Though some may see their doctor regularly, many people tend to go only when they suspect they may have a problem and are looking for a particular diagnosis and subsequent remedy, or perhaps have discovered something abnormal and are looking for professional advice and consultation.
With the convenience and availability of the internet, many people would rather choose to perform a quick search online for their ailment, opting for a trip to their local pharmacy for a quick fix-me-up rather than spending the additional time, effort, and money to go see their doctor. For a large portion of people, knowing if and when they should see their doctor can be unclear. Add in the anxiety that may come with additional testing, which at times, can be unnecessary, and you can see why many may choose to forego a trip to the hospital or clinic. This article is a guide to which medical checkups you need to do annually.
Family Medical History
You, along with members of your immediate family and your close relatives have many common factors such as your genes, environment, and lifestyle. With a complete record, which should include three generations of relatives – children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins, clues can be given to medical conditions that may run in your family. In knowing your medical history, you’ll be able to take steps in reducing any potential health risks.
Blood Pressure
Having your blood pressure screened is vital for any medical checkup since high blood pressure often shows no symptoms, is undetectable without proper measurement and can put you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. The experts at https://cpoe.org/ explain that if high blood pressure is discovered, a doctor can help you form a management plan which may include lifestyle changes or medication. High blood pressure is a big problem for many people across the world and it is so important that you take steps to lower your blood pressure if necessary.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
With obesity now being recognized as an independent risk factor for heart disease, you need to be screened for your body mass index, or BMI, as this generally serves as a good indicator for the amount of fat in your body. In addition to reducing your risk for heart disease, maintaining a healthy weight also allows you to improve quality-of-life factors such as fewer joint and muscle pains, greater energy, better fluid and blood pressure regulation, reduced heart and circulatory system strain, better sleep patterns, and a reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Physical Exam
Physical exams help in determining your overall health and to identify any issues which will have the potential to become medical concerns in the future. Generally, your doctor will inspect your abdomen and other body parts to check for your individual organs’ consistency, location, size, tenderness, and texture. Additionally, your doctor will also listen to various parts of your body using a stethoscope, such as your heart, lungs, and intestines. During the examination, you’ll also have the opportunity to communicate with your doctor any immediate questions or concerns that you may have.
Cholesterol
Having your cholesterol checked is a simple process involving a blood test which will provide greater insight into any potential risks and enable you to make informed health decisions. After receiving the results of your cholesterol test, your doctor will be able to determine your cardiovascular risk concerning your age, sex, and family history, and explain what your levels mean. In case your numbers are not where they should be, your doctor will then be able to discuss possible treatment options with you.
Eyesight
This short and painless screening typically includes a distance vision test and a close-up vision test and will look for any potential vision problems and eye disorders. Though eyesight screening through a medical checkup with your doctor ultimately isn’t used to diagnose vision problems, if an issue is indeed found during the examination, your doctor will be able to refer you to an eye care specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.
There are so many reasons why you should visit your doctor regularly and there are some medical checkups that need doing every year. The benefits of doing so include primary prevention, common chronic disease risk factor identification, detection of diseases that show no apparent symptoms, healthy behavior counseling, clinical data updates, and strengthening doctor-patient relationships. Far too many of us are reluctant about getting checkups or are worried about the inherent costs, but when it comes to your health, it is always worth the investment.
