Many of us remember getting physical exams as a kid, but now you may be wondering if you need them as an adult. At Matthews Internal Medicine we think that a physical exam can actually help patients quite a bit. As a part of your preventative medicine regimen a physical exam can bring even adults some benefits.
What Does it Involve?
A physical exam isn’t all that stressful. Your doctor will do simple things, like listening to your heart or checking your blood pressure, that could help them determine if you’re healthy. If you go in for an exam frequently enough, your doctor can figure out what your “normal” is. There are always suggested guidelines for things like blood pressure, but every person varies. A comprehensive record of your medical statistics will help your doctor better determine when something is off and if further treatments or testing might be needed.
Why Should I Get a Physical Exam?
Getting that routine physical exam can help in a number of ways. First of all, it helps you build a better relationship with your doctor. They’ll know you better and you’ll trust them more if you see them on a more regular basis. In some cases, better relationships between doctors and patients can help patients stay healthier by ensuring that a patient is more likely to schedule an appointment if they notice an issue. A patient might also be more likely to request advice from their physician if they know them better.
The physical exam also makes it easier for doctors to notice if something is wrong. Catching a disease or ailment early on is important, and a physical exam that includes screenings for certain types of cancer or issues like high cholesterol can help you nip potential health problems in the bud. Preventative medicine goes a long way and noticing something early can make a huge difference. A physical exam is especially beneficial for patients who are at risk of developing certain diseases, like diabetes, because earlier detection can help make many medical issues easier to manage.
How Often Should I get a Physical?
As an adult, how often you should get a physical can vary. Between the ages of twenty-two and sixty-five, the general rule is every one to three years. A yearly exam may not be necessary, but the occasional physical exam is helpful. As you get older, more serious health problems can pop up and develop faster. So when you reach the age of sixty-five, that annual physical exam is a good idea.
Different factors can also affect how often a physical exam is needed though. If you’re at risk for certain diseases, whether due to your health or family history, more frequent physicals could be helpful. If you’re living with a chronic condition, like diabetes or heart disease, a more customized schedule of physical exams and checkups could be helpful.
Make an Appointment at Our Office in Matthews, NC
Our doctors can help you live a healthier lifestyle, starting today. Whether you need a physical exam or any kind of preventative care, our skilled internists are here to assist you. Reach out to us at (704) 750-2329 or set up an appointment through our website.