Physical Exams Specialist

Why do I need a physical exam?

Physical exams, including adult wellness and child wellness visits, allow your health care provider to assess and monitor your health and wellness. Most health conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, and the health screenings conducted during your physical can reveal an issue before you develop symptoms. Your provider can start treatment right away and limit the disruption to your life.

Routine physical exams are also crucial to developing a relationship with your family medicine provider. Not only do they keep records about your vital signs and overall health, but you also get to know each other and build a trusting patient-provider relationship. 

Physical exams are also critical to monitoring the health and development of your children. Their schools or sports teams might require physical exams to enroll. Healthy Life Family Medicine also provides vaccines to protect your child from dangerous diseases.

How should I prepare for a physical exam?

In most cases, you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a physical exam. You might need to avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours if you’re going to have blood tests. You should also make sure that you have your insurance card, ID, and a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take regularly.

What happens during a physical exam?

Depending on your needs, a physical exam can take 30-40 minutes. You begin with a nurse or medical assistant who measures your height, weight, and blood pressure. They also review some of your health and lifestyle details. 

When you meet with your doctor, they inspect your body for any unusual marks or growths. Then they listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor also feels your abdomen and checks your reflexes. They also examine your eyes, ears, and throat. 

If you need any specific health screenings, the team at Healthy Life Family Medicine also offers:

• Blood draws
• Urinalysis 
• Blood sugar checks
• Hemoglobin A1C tests
• PSA screening
• Pap smears
• Prostate checks
• Vaccinations
• EKGs

If you have any symptoms or concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional health, make sure you mention them to your doctor. They might provide some advice or prescriptions to improve or protect your health. 

If you or your child is due for a physical exam, call Healthy Life Family Medicine or make an appointment online today.