What Do Annual Physical Examinations Involve?

There are many benefits of receiving annual physical exams. They can help your doctor detect disease in its early stages and thus develop a treatment plan to prevent complications. The following are some factors Dr. Kyle Scarborough considers when conducting an annual physical exam for an accurate diagnosis:

• History: Reviewing your history will focus on what your concerns were in your previous visit and your current issues. Your doctor will ask you questions to get an idea of your lifestyle and thus understand risk factors that may increase your chance of certain diseases. Your doctor may also recommend preventative techniques to help you maintain your health.
• Vital signs: An annual physical exam also includes checking vital signs. The results of tests for blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate assist in detecting signs of disease.  
• General appearance: Your physician is usually keen on your general appearance, like your skin’s state, to detect any obvious problems that may be a symptom of underlying issues. Physicians can also diagnose mental health by paying attention to how you are speaking.
• Heart exam: Cardiovascular health is essential in ensuring blood flow throughout the body. Your physician will conduct diagnostic tests to observe the structure and function of your heart. Listening to your heart can detect heart rate irregularities and thus prompt further medical tests and interventions if necessary.
• Lung exam: Healthy lungs are crucial to good health. They take in plenty of oxygen when inhaling and eliminate harmful carbon dioxide when exhaling. Your doctor will pay attention to your lungs, especially if you are a smoker because this lifestyle choice makes the lungs vulnerable to disease.
• Head and neck exam: Many organs in the head are crucial for survival. For example, the brain reasons and processes information, while the teeth help in talking and chewing food. Your primary care provider might refer you to a dentist to have your teeth checked and ensure that they are in proper health.
•  Abdominal exam: A primary care provider will physically examine your abdomen by tapping, listening for bowel sounds, and palpating for swelling. Imaging tests may be necessary to observe internal organs to detect anything that may be concerning to you or your doctor.
• Neurological exam: A physician will conduct a neurological exam to determine the wellness of your nervous system. It may be necessary to test for muscle strength and reflexes to complete a thorough neurological exam. 

• Dermatological Exam: Your doctor may recommend you consult with a dermatologist if you have any major skin concerns.
• Extremities exam: Your doctor will examine your legs and arms to confirm physical and sensory wellness. Imaging tests may be necessary to evaluate inner structures like joints.
• Male and female physical exam: These gender-specific tests examine reproductive health to detect abnormalities causing symptoms.

Contact Family Life Medical to book an annual physical exam that will include various laboratory tests to evaluate your health status accurately and thus develop preventative and treatment plans to preserve and restore your well-being.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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