3 Ways Annual Physical Exams Help Keep You Healthy

If you feel healthy and energetic, visiting the doctor is probably one of the last things on your to-do list, but your well-being shouldn’t go ignored. Many chronic health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, develop slowly and cause few noticeable symptoms, meaning you could be at risk without even realizing it. 

An annual physical exam can alert you to potential problems and help you age gracefully. At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine, board-certified physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, and our team provide annual physicals to people of all ages. Here are three powerful reasons not to skip yours.

What is an annual physical exam? 

This one-on-one checkup with your primary care physician provides a quick and convenient way to assess your physical and mental health, build a relationship with your doctor, and discuss any questions or concerns you have. Physicals are an important aspect of preventive medicine.

You don’t need to be sick to benefit. We encourage people of all ages to schedule a physical at least once a year in order to catch potential health issues early, before they become more serious.

3 top reasons to schedule an annual physical

There are many reasons to schedule a physical every year. Here’s a closer look at our top three:

1. Early detection of health issues

A physical exam often includes bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure screening. These measures can identify potential issues like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes before they lead to complications, such as heart disease and nerve damage.

The sooner you and your doctor identify chronic conditions, the easier it is to manage them. Similarly, research shows that early intervention can help reduce the risk of potential complications. For example, one study found that people with prediabetes who started treatment early were less likely to experience full-blown diabetes and premature death.

2. Personalized health advice

A physical exam checks in on your well-being, but it also presents an opportunity to talk with your doctor about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any unusual symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

It’s also a chance to ask questions, review medications, and get advice tailored to your age and specific risk factors. For example, if your family has a history of high cholesterol, we can make personalized recommendations to reduce that risk and keep your heart healthy.

In addition to personalized recommendations, we can update your immunizations if necessary, refer you to specialists, and even evaluate your mental health.

3. Build a strong relationship with your doctor

Talking to a stranger about your health and well-being can feel intimidating, which is why we strive to provide a comfortable, stress-free environment at The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine. Our team is friendly and compassionate, and we never rush appointments, making time to listen to each person’s symptoms, concerns, and goals. 

We do our best to ensure that you always see the same provider. This helps you build a long-term relationship based on continuity and trust. It also helps us get to know what’s “normal” for you, so we can quickly spot any changes in your health.

Our commitment to patient relationships makes it easier to talk about sensitive issues and stick with your health goals over time. Research supports this approach. One study even found that people who have strong relationships with their doctors are more likely to participate in preventive care, which can lower your chances of serious medical issues down the line.

Don’t wait to schedule an annual physical

If it’s been more than a year since your last physical exam, now is the perfect time to act. To schedule yours, contact The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine today. Call the office in Aurora, Illinois, or book an appointment online.