As we talk about often in The People’s Clinic articles, maintaining one’s health and wellness is a proactive process – it requires attention. The attention needed to maintain or regain one’s health begins with an annual physical examination. If you do not have a primary care provider, it is vitally important to obtain one and begin taking a more active role in your health.  The annual physical examination is an opportunity for both the patient and physician to interface regarding the health of the patient. The purpose of your physical is to manage any chronic illnesses and to discover any possible risk factors that may lead to disease.

What procedures can you expect

The physician will typically begin by asking questions about your medical history, medications, health habits, injuries, operations, and family health history.  It is important to be honest with your health care provider so that the proper exam can be completed.  Remember – your information is protected by law so your provider cannot share it with anyone unless you have given permission to do so.

In addition to the physical examination, other tests may be performed.  Depending on your age, personal and family health history, these tests may include a chest x-ray, urinalysis (a urine sample), audiometry – a hearing test, pulmonary (lung) function test, and an electrocardiogram (an examination of the heart’s electrical activity).

Laboratory (blood) tests are also an essential part of the overall annual physical.  Your physician may order a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests such as ALT and AST, Cholesterol, and Glucose. These labs may provide a sign of potential toxic exposure, organ damage, or disease.  A CBC blood test may detect anemia and leukemia. Liver function tests can detect hepatitis and effects of liver toxins including alcohol. In most cases, it is important to arrive to your annual physical examinations fasting – which means no food or drink after midnight the night before your appointment. This way, accurate blood sugar and cholesterol levels can be obtained. Ask your doctor whether you should fast before your appointment.

What preventive services are needed?

All adults should have their weight, BMI (body mass index – a measure of body fat based on height and weight), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels checked regularly. After the age of 50, all patients should also be screened for colorectal cancer.  Your physician will decide which test is most appropriate; some persons may need to be screened earlier if a family member has had colon or rectal cancer.

Your psychological health is as important as your physical health. If a patient has felt “down,” or hopeless or has felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, he or she may be depressed.  Screening for depression is also a very important part of the annual physical.

Depending on your age and gender, there may be other tests your doctor would like to do, such as a mammogram (for women), or prostate exam (men). You should ask your doctor either before or during your appointment what tests and screenings are appropriate for someone with your age, gender, and health history. Your doctor may also provide advice about exercise and diet. For example, the physician may discuss how much calcium is needed to prevent bone problems, or he or she may discuss taking folic acid before becoming pregnant and lowering the fat and cholesterol in your diet.  In general, injury prevention practices, such as using seat belts and having smoke detectors in your home should also be discussed by your primary care provider.

What you can do to stay healthy

The choices you make about the way you live are important to your health. Here are some suggestions for remaining healthy:

• Don’t use any form of tobacco.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t use illegal drugs.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Practice safe sex.
• Use seat belts (and car seats for children) when riding in a car or truck.
• See your doctor regularly for preventive care.

You should always feel comfortable discussing or asking questions about any health concern you have for yourself and/or your family with your health care provider.

Contribution by: Granada S. Neil, MD

Do you need further information or have questions or comments about this article? Call toll-free 1-877-530-1824. Or, for more information about the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, please visit: www.wfubmc.edu/MACHE.

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