While the majority of Americans feel that annual physical exams are truly necessary, only 45 million Americans actually go through with this examination every year. Some of them forget to schedule the appointment while others feel that it may not be as important as some of the other things that they have piling up on their to-do lists. Therefore, it is crucial to remind yourself about the benefits of this checkup. In addition, if concerns about what is going to happen at your physical are keeping you away, learning more about this checkup will set your mind at ease.
What are Physical Exams?
A physical examination is a thorough head-to-toe look at your body. Our physician will focus both on your outer body, including your skin appearance and your ease of movement, but will also examine some of the unseen parts of your body as well, such as your heart, lungs and intestines. In addition, our physician can focus on your mental health and may ask you questions about your emotional and social health.
What Happens During a Physical?
You may be concerned about what will happen at your physical, what type of room you will be in and how long the process will take. You should expect to meet with a medical professional who will take down some vital information about your health, such as your height, weight, blood pressure and temperature.
During the actual examination, your privacy will be protected, and you should always feel comfortable and at ease. Our physician should also give you plenty of time to ask any questions that you have and to discuss any concerns that you are having with your body or your mental health.
What are the Benefits of Physical Exams?
The most obvious benefit of a physical is that our doctor will be able to catch any new health problems that may have come up in the past year and will be able to provide treatments to prevent the progression of diseases. In addition, this time is vital to give you a chance to chat with a trusted health care provider.
If you have been putting off making this appointment, now is a great time to set up a yearly checkup at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta. Physical exams can keep you healthy, allow you to live longer and ease your anxiety if you are worried about your health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!