One out of four Americans admit to skipping their annual physical because they feel fine. But your yearly checkup with your doctor is something you don’t want to skip. This visit is the one that keeps you feeling fine.
At MS Family Medicine Health Care PC in Rosedale and Garden City, New York, our medical director Michele Reed, DO, FAAFP, and her team of primary care providers prioritize physicals and annual checkups. It’s our opportunity to evaluate your health from head to toe, screen for common diseases, and discuss any concerns you have.
Even if you’re healthy, we have plenty to talk about. Here are five things to discuss at your next physical.
Your family health history provides valuable information about your current and future health. Many health conditions run in families, and knowing that your father has high blood pressure or your grandmother had colon cancer helps us better understand your health risks.
We use this information to direct health screenings and patient education.
You may not think much about the melatonin you take to help you sleep or the probiotics you use to improve digestion since you can get these supplements over-the-counter (OTC), but we want to know about them.
Dietary supplements are safe for most people, but they contain active ingredients that affect your body. We need to know all about the supplements you take so we can make sure you’re on the right ones and getting the right dose.
When you come in for your yearly physical, we want to discuss any medications you take, even OTC drugs.
Your health habits have a major influence on your overall wellness. Most chronic diseases are caused by unhealthy habits like not getting enough exercise and poor nutrition.
We want to know all about your habits so we can help you make small, manageable changes that benefit your health now and later, such as getting into a regular sleep routine, adding activity to your normal day, and creating balanced meals that fit your lifestyle.
Your regular checkup is all about keeping you well and preventing health problems. Health screenings are an important part of your exam. The type of screenings you need depends on your age, gender, personal health history, and family health history. We talk with you about the health screenings you need and why.
We also want to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Vaccines help your immune system protect you against common contagious diseases. We recommend an annual flu vaccine and booster shots based on your level of immunity, like updating your tetanus shot every 10 years or so.
Your mental well-being affects your physical health. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety don’t get better on their own and need medical attention.
Your annual physical exam is a good time to talk about stress, anxiety, and mood. We can screen for mental health conditions and make sure you get the support you need.
Your yearly physical exam is the best time to discuss all the things that affect your health. Has it been more than a year since your last physical? Book an appointment online or over the phone today with our team at MS Family Medicine.
