It’s a new year and with that comes an opportunity to make sure your health is in tip-top-shape. You can do this by scheduling your annual wellness visit with your primary care physician. Now you may be wondering, if I’m feeling fine, why is it important to have a wellness exam. A wellness exam is a preventative measure taken that can potentially discover health problems sooner and may result in more effective treatments. Preventative healthcare focuses on maintaining wellness and stopping health problems before they occur. This yearly exam is a great way to make sure you’re healthy and stay healthy.
Wellness Visits Explained
Each wellness visit is different based on the patient because each patient has different health needs, are different ages, and have different lifestyles. Although the wellness check is unique per patient, there are some things that are the same for everyone. Your primary care doctor, will
- Measure your height and weight
- Check your vitals
- Check you BMI
- Perform a physical examination
- Scan your body for suspicious moles or skin lesions
- Listen to heart and lungs
- Check abdomen, thyroid glands, and lymph nodes for abnormalities
- Check ears
- Check eyesight
- Check on any chronic conditions
- Discuss current lifestyle and health choices
- Administer shots and immunizations if needed
- Establish a plan for your health
At your annual wellness visit, you’ll also review your health history. Your health history is your complete medical and family health overview. It’s important to note if anything has changed since you had your last check-up. You may be given a screening depending on your age, risk, and gender. Screenings can include cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs.
Schedule Your Wellness Visit
Your annual wellness visit is crucial to detecting early symptoms of a disease. It also provides your primary care physician with a status update on your overall health. This visit allows your physician to review your health and habits and assist in guiding you to make choices that promote better health. It’s a new year, make your health a top priority.
If you haven’t scheduled your annual wellness check, Roseman Medical Group (RMG) can help. Call us at 702-463-4040 to schedule an appointment with one of our family medicine providers.
Article by Rachael Thomas
