Many people view annual physical exams as optional, and while it’s true that no one forces you to have one, putting off routine preventive care can increase your risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
At Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates, with offices in Plainsboro Township and Monroe, New Jersey, Aruna Chakala, MD, encourages all her patients to participate in annual exams.
Read on to learn why “feeling fine” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy, the benefits of an annual exam, and what to expect during your visit.
Many people put off routine preventive care, such as annual exams, because they don’t have symptoms of an underlying medical issue. The thinking goes that if something is wrong, they would notice it, but that’s just not how the body works.
Chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, rarely present symptoms. People can have dangerously high readings and continue going about their lives until something tragic happens, like a heart attack.
Scheduling an annual checkup with your primary care doctor is an easy and effective way to protect your health and catch potential problems early.
An annual exam is beneficial in identifying health problems that could increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, or other chronic diseases.
Beyond that, an annual exam:
Together, these factors can help you live a longer, healthier life.
We tailor annual physical exams to each patient’s needs and health history. Even so, most visits feature a similar approach, which includes:
First, we review your health records and ask about your lifestyle, including how often you exercise, how well you sleep, what you eat, and whether you take any medication.
These questions help us identify potential risks, enabling us to make more informed treatment recommendations.
Next, we measure and weigh you, take your blood pressure, and calculate your body mass index (BMI). Then, we complete a comprehensive physical exam, which involves:
We also order lab testing, including a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and any other screens we deem necessary.
Depending on your age, sex, and health history, we may recommend specific preventive screenings.
For example, if you’re a woman, we may recommend a mammogram, Pap smear, or hormone testing. If you’re 45 or older, we may suggest a colonoscopy. These tests can identify cancer or other problems early on when they’re most responsive to treatment.
Vaccines are one of the best ways to lower your risk of contagious illness. Most vaccinations offer protection for several years, while others need to be updated annually. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, or other immunizations.
We treat most acute and chronic conditions ourselves, but if you need more personalized care, we can refer you to a specialist and help coordinate treatment.
If it’s been more than a year since your last physical exam, getting back into the habit is one of the best decisions you can make. Even if you feel fine, a checkup can provide peace of mind and identify areas to work on.
Take the first step today. Request an appointment online or call us at 609-799-5000. We look forward to meeting you!
