For many people, the new year comes with a renewed focus on staying healthy. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your health is to have an annual physical exam.
Our team at Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, is dedicated to protecting your health in your senior years. That’s why we encourage all of our patients to get an annual physical exam in order to spot serious health concerns as early as possible.
While you probably have heard of annual physicals and physical exams before, you may be wondering what exactly it is. A physical exam is a chance for Dr. Nguyen to check your overall health during a routine, non-invasive visit in order to identify any possible medical concerns as soon as possible. They also help provide a baseline from year to year, in order to understand long-term changes in your body such as weight gain or loss or the progression of a disease.
During your physical exam, Dr. Nguyen or another member of our team generally completes a health questionnaire, conducts routine tests, and takes blood samples for testing.
During your health questionnaire, you are asked about your medical history, overall health, and general lifestyle. This may include questions about allergies, past surgeries, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, smoking, and exercise. Your responses are completely confidential, so it’s important to answer honestly.
In addition to a health questionnaire, your physical usually includes the following routine tests:
While these tests are included in your routine physical, we also offer an upgraded annual physical that includes enhanced screening tests as well as expedited on-site lab work.
Annual physicals are incredibly important because they can lead to early diagnosis of health problems and prevent future health problems. Even if you’re in good health, physicals can help you stay healthy because they offer you a chance to speak to your doctor about your overall health and lifestyle.
As you get older, it’s even more important to have your yearly checkup because your risk of developing many health conditions increases with age. A physical exam can help spot the signs of conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Additionally, if you already live with a chronic condition such as diabetes, a physical exam can ensure your condition is well-managed and your symptoms are under control.
If you’re making a new year’s resolution to improve your health this year, start with an annual physical to ensure you’re off to a good start. To book your exam today, call our office at 561-203-6295 or make an appointment online.
