5 Key Benefits of Annual Physical Exams and Wellness Visits

It seems like everyone's got an opinion on how to stay healthy. Social media influencers want you to buy up their supplements, your friends want you to try their workout regimen, and your favorite blogger wants you to give up an entire food group for the sake of your well-being. 

We think there's a better way to reach optimal health — and it starts with showing up for a physical. 

Too many people underestimate the power of regularly connecting with their primary care provider, but we know that regular visits with us are crucial. Everyone can benefit from an annual physical, and in some cases — such as if you have a chronic condition — you may benefit more from an annual wellness visit.

Here are just five ways these visits at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care can benefit you. 

1. We update your vaccinations and medications

Vaccinations and prescriptions are some of our most powerful tools for supporting your overall health and wellness. At each of your physical exams and wellness visits, we make sure both are up to date. 

If either or both aren't current, we can administer any necessary vaccinations as well as reevaluate your prescriptions and make adjustments if needed. 

2. We establish a baseline for your health

Some health conditions are obvious, but others can sneak up on you. It can be difficult to detect the finer points of your health, especially those that often go unnoticed. 

For example, problems with blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol usually don't show symptoms. Leaving them untreated can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes and heart disease. 

So, we recommend scheduling an appointment to establish a baseline for your health status and then continue seeing us once a year to ensure nothing changes. During your appointment, we gather data on the following aspects of your health:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar levels
• BMI
• Allergies
• Social history
• Mental health
• Family history

We can also screen for other underlying health conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, and STDs. If needed, we can also perform school, sports, pre-op/surgical, DOT, passport, and immigration physicals, as well as men's and women's health exams. 

3. We assess your risk for future health problems

No matter how trustworthy that blogger or social media health guru seems, it can be tough to catch a health problem without the help of an expert. Our doctors have years of experience recognizing the earliest signs of many chronic conditions and diseases, and we can intervene before they become severe.

4. We talk through your health concerns

Do you have a question about that weird symptom that just cropped up? Are you wondering if you should be concerned about a family health issue? Don't leave these serious questions up to the internet "experts."

Instead, come talk to a real expert. We're dedicated to creating a space where you can bring up any and all concerns and be confident you're getting the best medical advice in return. Talk to us about everything from unsettling aches and pains to suspicious lumps and bumps. We've seen it all!

We can also offer guidance and support on other aspects of your well-being, including family and social issues, weight loss, sleep problems, and addiction.

5. We adjust your current treatments

If you don’t think something in your health plan is working, make an appointment with us. We understand that not all treatment plans are effective for everyone, and we can adjust your plan to make it work for you. 

If you want to restart your annual exams, or if you want to begin them, we can help. Just call 214-550-0911 or book an appointment online with Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care today.