Annual Physical Exam Clinic in Wendell, NC

An annual wellness exam is a regular visit to your healthcare provider that typically occurs once a year. The purpose of this exam is to assess your overall well-being and provide your healthcare provider with important information about your health status on an annual basis.

A key component of the wellness visit involves developing a personalized approach to optimize your health and your quality of life. For example, your doctor will evaluate your risk for significant health events such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancers, and collaborate with you to establish preventive measures.

This process involves reviewing your cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, diet, exercise, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, your doctor will ensure that you are up to date with appropriate cancer screenings based on your age and family history. For men, this may include colon cancer screenings and potentially PSA blood testing for prostate cancer.

During the visit, your doctor will review your immunization history and recommend any vaccines or booster shots that you may require. They will also ask brief questions to assess any signs of depression or anxiety, as individuals often overlook these issues themselves.

Throughout an annual exam, your primary care physician will perform a range of tests and assessments to obtain a comprehensive overview of your overall health status. These assessments are typically based on a physical exam checklist tailored to your age, gender, and specific risk factors. Various checks and examinations are carried out to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

The exam often begins with measurements of your weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), which help your primary care doctor assess your health concerning your age. Checking your heart rate and blood pressure is also crucial, as these indicators can be influenced by factors such as stress, sleep patterns, smoking, diet, and exercise habits. Abnormal levels of blood pressure can be risk factors for chronic health issues.

To assess your respiratory and cardiovascular health, your primary care physician will listen to your lungs and heart. This allows them to detect any signs of breathing problems like wheezing or coughing, as well as abnormal sounds that could indicate potential heart issues, such as heart murmurs or extra sounds.

A comprehensive physical exam is performed, during which your primary care physician examines various areas of your body to identify any potential health problems. They will observe the color and size of your eyes, search for abnormalities or growths on your skin, examine your abdominal area, and test your reflexes.

Depending on your gender, there may be additional gender-specific checks involved. For example, a breast exam may be conducted for women or a physical examination of the testicles for men.

Following an annual exam, you will be provided with health and lifestyle guidelines as necessary depending on your specific health needs. Additional tests and screenings may be ordered depending on concerns you raised or the physician had during the wellness exam. If you are seeking an annual wellness exam due to a specific complaint or concern, your primary care doctor will take the time to address those symptoms and work towards understanding the underlying issue.

They may refer you to a specialist or a doctor with expertise in the relevant area of medicine, ensuring that you receive the appropriate treatment promptly. Together you and your primary care doctor will conclude an annual wellness exam with a health and wellness plan tailored to your needs.

Visiting Wendell Family Medicine annually for an annual exam is beneficial for several reasons. By scheduling these regular check-ups, you become proactive in taking care of your health. The exams allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health baseline, which is vital for identifying any changes or potential risks.

Additionally, annual exams help in preventing illnesses by detecting early signs or risk factors before they develop into more serious conditions. Keeping your immunizations up-to-date is another advantage, as it ensures you are protected against preventable diseases.

Moreover, these regular visits provide an opportunity to establish a strong doctor-patient relationship, fostering trust, effective communication, and personalized care. Overall, annual exams at Wendell Family Medicine promote proactive healthcare, preventive measures, and a collaborative approach toward maintaining and optimizing your well-being.

Wellness exams are available at Wendell Family Medicine. Contact us today for more information about our services or book an appointment online. We also take walk-ins for your utmost convenience. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.