ASK THE DOCTOR: ARE ANNUAL CHECKUPS IMPORTANT?

Your time is valuable.

So is an annual physical checkup really necessary?

You might not be sure. And you may be asking yourself questions like; If you are otherwise healthy, how important is seeing your doctor every year? Are these visits important?

The truth is that annual checkups bring a number of benefits. This post will outline the specifics.

WHAT DOES AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL ENTAIL?

Preventative medicine is the key to good health. Even if you are otherwise healthy, an annual checkup can bring peace of mind and strengthen your connection with your doctor.

But what does a routine checkup typically include?

• Performing a physical exam
  Your doctor will inspect your eyes, ears, nose, and throat to identify potential issues. They may also gently touch your abdomen and back.
• Updating your vaccines.
  Do you need a new vaccine? Are you unsure of whether you’ve had a particular shot? Your annual checkup is an ideal time to go over the specifics.
• Checking your vitals.
  During your annual physical, your doctor will take your temperature. They’ll also document your heart rate and record your blood pressure to create a baseline for your general wellness.
• Reviewing the screenings you may need.
  Our medical requirements change as we go. If you are due for a blood test, bone density screening, or another procedure, your doctor will let you know.
• Managing your prescriptions.
  An annual checkup is a great time to evaluate your prescription. Your physician will discuss your medications with you and help mitigate any potential side effects.

In addition to these items, you can use your annual physical as an opportunity to simply have a conversation with your doctor. You might think of it like catching up with an old- and letting that person know that’s going on in your life.

THE BENEFITS OF AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL

We’ve gone over the various components of a routine checkup.

What about the benefits of an annual physical, though.

These include:

• Getting to know your personal and family medical history.
  By meeting with your doctor each year, your physician will get to know you from a medical perspective. They’ll also take stock of your family history- helping them understand which areas to focus on as you grow older.
• Updating your healthcare treatment plan.
  The way we maintain our health evolves over time. A routine checkup will allow your doctor to make changes as needed, providing guidance based on your unique circumstances. It’s a solid time to update your health plan.
• Catching health issues early.
  Don’t underestimate the benefits of preventative care. An annual physical will give both you and your doctor the chance to catch potential medical issues early- before they become a problem in your life.

Ultimately, when it comes to maintaining good health, taking an hour or so just once each year can make all the difference.

THE VERDICT ON ROUTINE CHECKUPS

So what’s the verdict on scheduling an annual physical.

Most experts believe these appointments are well worth the patient’s time. If you’d like to schedule an annual wellness visit, you can request an appointment with Colin Chan, M.D & Associates here.

Do you have questions about the importance of routine checkups? Please contact us for more information on how you can maintain good health with Dr. Colin Chan by your side. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Colin Chan, M.D. and Associates is a St. Petersburg, Florida based provider of anti-aging and holistic medical services. We provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments including Stem Cell Therapy, IV Therapy, PRP, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and more. We provide services to clients throughout Florida.