It’s no secret that the last couple of years have brought a lot of changes to the world of health care. With concerns around the pandemic, many health organizations recommended postponing non-essential appointments, screenings, and procedures until further notice.
But now, those routine appointments are resuming. And the start of the new year is the perfect time to make a New Year’s resolution for your health: scheduling an annual physical to make sure your health is on track.
Maybe it’s been a year or two since your last preventive care visit, and maybe you’re wondering if now is the best time. At Medical Associates Of North Texas, we make getting primary care simpler. We offer convenient in-office and telehealth appointments, and here’s why you need to get an annual exam on the books for 2022.
A physical exam is a comprehensive review of your health. It typically includes evaluating your vital signs and doing a series of preventive screenings to detect any changes in your health.
Even if you’re feeling healthy, certain health conditions could be developing without your knowledge. Many common chronic diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease start slowly — but annual exams can identify them when they’re still in early stages.
The screenings in your annual exam are designed to identify changes, before these health risks progress and become more serious. Early detection means that lifestyle changes and treatment can reduce the disease’s severity — and in some cases, prevent it from occurring.
When you get physical exams every year, your doctor tracks your health over time. Annual exams make it easier to identify small changes that could lead to more serious health concerns later on.
Most annual physical exams take less than an hour in the office. We check you in and verify your health history, then our nursing staff measures your height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure.
In the exam room, we may do a number of other screenings, like:
Our team takes a personalized approach to primary care, and we make adjustments to your annual exam based on your health needs. For example, people with chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, could benefit from additional screenings and bloodwork.
Your physical exam includes time to talk with one of our doctors. We’re available to answer any questions you have about your health, including lifestyle habits, medications, and chronic conditions and injuries.
We partner with you to develop a plan that promotes better health, no matter your goals. Our team can recommend lifestyle changes to help you lose weight, lower your risk of chronic disease, and more.
If we identify any health risks during your visit, we outline necessary next steps. If you don’t have any immediate health needs, we can help you schedule your annual exam for next year. And in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Now’s the time to schedule your annual physical for 2022. Contact us online or call the office at 972-4337178.
