Annual Physicals

What are annual physicals?

An annual, or yearly, physical is a wellness exam with your Whole Health Healing Practice provider to make sure you’re in good health. You might require a physical to play on a sports team, attend school, work for the Department of Transportation (DOT), or for immigration.

What should I expect during an annual physical?

Annual physicals are similar for men, women, and children but vary slightly. Before your physical exam, Heather checks your vitals and reviews your medical history.

She completes a physical examination, which may include evaluating your eyes, ears, and throat, listening to your breathing, checking your reflexes, and completing a pelvic exam in women. 

Depending on your health history, lifestyle, and chronic disease risk factors, Heather may screen you for:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and prediabetes
• Heart problems
• Thyroid disorders
• Other hormone imbalances
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Breast, cervical, prostate, or colon cancers
• Depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders
• Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction

She may also take a urine sample, blood draw, or recommend imaging tests to diagnose or rule out certain health conditions.

Will I require treatment?

If, after an annual physical, Heather discovers a health problem, treatment options will be considered. If you have an illness or chronic disease, you might require:

• Making lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.) changes
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Further diagnostic testing
• Talk therapy for a mental health disorder
• Alternative medicine (physical therapy, chiropractic care, etc.)
• Minimally invasive surgery
• A specialist’s care

If you have a serious medical condition that requires invasive treatment, such as surgery, Heather can refer you to a qualified specialist. For example, if you have cancer, you’ll see an oncologist who specializes in cancer treatments.

How often should I schedule an annual physical?

As a rule, schedule an annual physical every year and make subsequent appointments more often if your provider recommends it. Be proactive about your health to prevent disease risk factors from becoming serious illnesses.

To schedule your next annual physical, call Whole Health Healing Practice for an appointment or request one online today.