Physicals are important for health maintenance and disease prevention. Adults who get annual physicals are more likely to discover potential health complications before they become serious and they are more aware of the importance of lifestyle choices and how they affect overall wellbeing. Several tests and screenings are performed to verify the health of the body’s various organs and systems. If a problem is uncovered during a routine check-up, treatment can begin immediately to slow or even halt its progression.
An annual physical is important for health maintenance and disease prevention. Adults who get annual physicals are more likely to discover potential health complications before they become serious and they are more aware of the importance of lifestyle choices and how they affect overall wellbeing. Several tests and screenings are performed to verify the health of the body’s various organs and systems. If a problem is uncovered during a routine check-up, treatment can begin immediately to slow or even halt its progression.
Did you know?
that annual physicals were not commonplace in America until the 1940’s? Their popularity has since escalated, with the National Institutes of Health reporting that more than 9 in 10 Americans now believe routine exams are essential for healthy living. In addition to patients, doctors also believe yearly adult physicals are important – and not just for health reasons. Visiting a [city] doctor on a periodic basis helps establish a trusting relationship that facilitates communication and trust when potential health problems arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m an adult. Do I need an annual physical?
Yes. You should get a check-up with your doctor every year. However, the types of screenings and exams that you’ll have may vary from year to year depending on your age and health.
What should I expect during my physical exam?
If it is your first time visiting your doctor, you’ll complete paperwork about your personal and family health history, as well as any medications you may be taking and symptoms you may be having. A nurse or medical assistant may weigh you and check your blood pressure. When the doctor comes into your exam room, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss symptoms and ask any questions you may have. You may then be submitted to a series of tests that screen for diseases or systemic complications. Finally, your doctor may provide lifestyle recommendations for healthy living and also encourage you to update your vaccinations.
Will I need to follow any special instructions following my check-up?
Your doctor may recommend making certain changes to your lifestyle habits following your exam. For example, you may be encouraged to exercise more, eat more healthfully, get more sleep, reduce your stress, or even begin taking certain vitamins, supplements or medications.
Sports physicals are preventative screenings routinely used to verify a patient’s physical health and ability to safely participate in athletic activity. Most schools and many sports leagues require sports physicals as a prerequisite for participation each season. At our office, we recommend sports physicals not only for athletes but also for anyone beginning a new exercise routine or training program. A sports physical can detect underlying health conditions that have the potential to interrupt participation in a sport or cause a future injury.
Did you know…
that a sports physical is for athletes of all ages and health backgrounds? Everyone – from small children to professional players – should undergo a sports physical before beginning any training or strenuous physical activity beyond what is normal for each participant.
Everyone needs a sports physical prior to beginning a new physically strenuous activity. If you are getting a physical prior to the start of a sports season, we recommend scheduling your physical several weeks in advance. This allows plenty of time for accommodating recommendations for treatment if necessary.
A sports physical will examine your overall fitness and risk for health complications or injury. This includes a thorough review of your personal healthy history and an evaluation of your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. We will analyze your height, weight, flexibility, strength and reflexes, as well as listen to your heart and lungs.
If your sports physical reveals no potential health problems, we will release you to play. Otherwise, we may make recommendations for modified or delayed sports participation. Some patients need to build up strength or physical fitness before participating in a sport. Others may need to modify their training schedules to accommodate for physical limitations or areas of the body that are at high-risk for injury.
Immigration Physicals are required for any person immigrating to the U.S. The physical may consist of examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, genitalia, lymph nodes, and skin. The examination will also include review of your medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood test.
For specific requirements and a more detailed information, please call Ellicott City Primary Care Medicine at 410-465-1091.
Ask a question or request an appointment.
