Even though a global pandemic put a huge emphasis on our health, we still tend to ignore our well-being until we start feeling bad. Our health is not something that we should take care of only once we notice an issue but an ongoing effort to ensure we are strong and lively well into old age. Proactive health is key. With that in mind, keep on reading to see why having regular physical exams is so important.

Your General Health will be Assessed

For starters, your physician will recommend a variety of blood tests and screenings that will help them assess your overall health. These tests will usually depend on your risk factors, family history, lifestyle, and age. Blood pressure screening, for instance, is a staple that you can expect during most exams. As around 120/80 is considered normal, this can determine if you have high blood pressure.

Then, cholesterol and blood glucose screenings are also common to determine if your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are normal and see how much sugar there is in your blood. Women older than 65 and men older than 70 also get osteoporosis screenings. All of these tests can help identify whether you have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease and allow you to react on time before the issue gets out of hand.

Your Vaccinations will be Updated

There are several vaccines that adults need to get regularly in order to prevent diseases. While the COVID-19 one is currently on everyone’s minds, you need to think about other ones too. For instance, getting the flu vaccine is recommended on a yearly basis for everyone older than 6 months. They are usually given before the flu season but you can ask for one whenever you get your checkup.

Then, there are the Tdap vaccine and the HPV vaccine as well as the pneumonia vaccine, shingles vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine that are administered to individuals that fit certain criteria so consult with your doctor.

You will be Screened for Various Health Issues

In addition to common screenings like the ones listed above, you can also get screened for some specific health issues. For example, after taking into account your age and risk factors, your physician may recommend cancer screenings. They can be for skin cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, or some other type. Moreover, this way, you can discover various other tumours that might be both benign and malignant.

Acting on time is of the essence so check with your doctor what screenings you can undergo. From a bone scan and ultrasound to an X-ray and an MRI brain scan, there are many tests you can have to check if there’s an issue that’s not yet made itself known. If you live in Queensland, for instance, you can schedule a brain surgery in Brisbane and get the tumor removed before it starts affecting your quality of life.

Your Medical Records will be Up-to-Date

Another reason why it’s important to go for a checkup every year is so that your physician can update your medical records. For example, maybe someone in your family developed a new health condition. If this puts you at risk of a similar disease, your doctor will know to recommend an earlier screening.

Then, you might have noticed some new allergies, whether to food, meds, or the environment. Maybe you’ve tried some new over-the-counter meds that didn’t sit right or you think your current prescription dosage needs to be recalibrated. All that should be noted in your file. Lastly, if you’ve been feeling depressed or anxious, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional so that you can get the necessary help.

You will Establish a Relationship with your Doctor

Finally, going to your doctor at least once a year should help you establish a relationship. You’ll get to know each other a little better. That way, they will not only be concerned with treating your current issue but can also help you focus on your overall wellness. They can also advise you on prevention as well as the best possible treatment plans if you encounter a health issue.

It’s vital that you take care of your body regularly in order to prevent bigger issues. If you only react once you notice a problem, it might be too late. For a long and happy life, go to regular physical exams.

Patrick Adams

Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.