A full body medical exam is the best way, by far, to determine if there are changes in your health from one year to the next. This helps you get a better overall picture of the state of your health and also gives you a head’s up about potential red flags and health problems.
Getting a full body checkup at least once a year is the best way to safeguard your long-term health, but what does a full medical examination entail? Below are a few of the screenings and tests you can expect during your annual health examination.
Full Medical Check Up
Not only does this include a physician interview, but also a physical examination, recording of vital signs, and discussion of potential health concerns. This will include an in-depth conversation about health concerns you may have, your family health history, and any concerns your doctor may have based on early results, symptoms, and questions from you. Your physician may also conduct a full vaccination review to ensure you’re up to date on necessary vaccinations and an abdominal ultrasound to determine that your internal organs, including your:
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Gall Bladder
- Major Blood Vessels
And other vital organs are healthy.
Cardiovascular Health Survey and Testing
One of the primary reasons to see your physician each year for a full body medical exam and checkup is to make sure you have plenty of warning about your heart health. Depending on your age, you may be asked to participate in examinations or stress tests to evaluate the functioning of your heart and to screen for heart disease – especially if you’re over the age of 35.
Your physician may also request that you participate in a respiratory function test to measure your lung capacity and rule out conditions like asthma, emphysema, and airway restrictions. Finally, your doctor may conduct an ankle brachial to check for narrowing or hardening of peripheral arteries. If your doctor has cause for concern he or she may order additional diagnostic testing.
Blood and Urine Tests
Tests, tests, and more tests are generally the word of the day when it comes to safeguarding your health. That is why your physician is likely to screen for things like thyroid function, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Many of these tests offer same day results so you can learn, right away, if you have anything to worry about – and discuss those concerns with your physician – or a registered dietician, if necessary, immediately.
Other tests that may be ordered are vision and hearing tests. While it may not appear to be the case at first glance, both conditions greatly affect your overall quality of life. Taking steps early to identify and solve possible vision and hearing problems can bring about huge improvements in your overall satisfaction with your life, work, and family.
Also, don’t forget to consider the importance of mental health and wellbeing, which is something your doctor is sure to check for during the course of your examination too.
Women may be asked to submit to a full body checkup for women that explores issues directly and exclusively related to the female body so be prepared and choose a physician you are comfortable working with whenever possible.
At all times, keep your focus on the reason for these annual health exams and checkups – to keep you healthy and active for as long as possible – and take the results of these critical visits to heart.
