Preparing for Annual Physicals: What You Should Know

At Wendell Family Medicine, we believe that an annual physical exam is a cornerstone of lifelong wellness for individuals and families in our community. These yearly checkups provide our dedicated healthcare team the opportunity to assess your overall health, identify any potential concerns early, and support you in maintaining your best possible well-being.

During your annual physical, your provider will thoroughly review your medical history, listen to any new symptoms or questions you might have, and perform a comprehensive physical examination. We also use this time to update important vaccinations, evaluate your current medications, and screen for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers—always taking your age, gender, and personal risk factors into account.

Beyond the basics, your annual visit with us is a chance to discuss your lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, tobacco or alcohol use, and any other habits that impact your health. Our team offers personalized guidance on preventive care and healthy living, tailored to you and your family’s needs.

Regular annual exams help us build a trusting, long-term relationship with you, ensuring continuity of care and making it easier to manage your health over time. By scheduling your yearly checkup, you’re taking a proactive step toward disease prevention, early detection, and open, ongoing communication with your healthcare team.

Preparing for your annual physical ensures you get the highest quality care and allows our providers to give you the most thorough evaluation possible. Here are some helpful tips to get ready for your visit:

1. List Your Symptoms and Health Concerns

Before your appointment at our family medicine clinic, write down any symptoms or health concerns you’ve noticed recently—even if they seem minor. Be sure to note any changes in your general health, such as weight, appetite, sleep, or energy levels. If you manage chronic conditions, let us know how things have been going and bring up any new challenges you’ve faced.

2. Bring an Updated Medication List

Please bring a complete list of all medications you’re currently taking to your appointment with us, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Write down the dosages and frequency for each. If you have allergies to medications, foods, or environmental factors, be sure to tell us.

3. Know Your Family Medical History

Family history plays an important role in your health. If any close relatives have been recently diagnosed with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, let us know—this information helps us tailor your care and screening recommendations.

4. Bring Previous Medical Records

If this is your first visit to Wendell Family Medicine, please bring records of your immunizations, prior surgeries, and any significant medical events. This helps us build a complete picture of your health.

5. Review Your Lifestyle Habits

Your provider will want to discuss your lifestyle. Take note of your diet, exercise, smoking status, and alcohol use, and be prepared to talk about them. If you have goals or questions—like weight management, mental health, or preventive screenings—write them down so you remember to discuss them during your appointment.

Your partners in health are here to support you every step of the way. By coming prepared, you help us provide the best possible care and make your annual physical as productive as possible. If you have any questions before your appointment, please call our office—we’re happy to help!

At Wendell Family Medicine, we strive to provide personalized care for every member of your family. To help us serve you best during your annual physical, please gather the following information before your appointment:

Medication List: Bring a detailed list of all medications you currently take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and vitamins. Make sure to include the dosages and how often you take each one.

Allergies: Let us know about any allergies you have, especially to medications, foods, or environmental factors.

Vaccination Records: Bring a record of your vaccination history, including dates for your most recent shots. Common vaccines we track include the flu shot, tetanus booster, and COVID-19 vaccination.

Recent Medical History: If you’ve had any recent hospitalizations, surgeries, or medical tests, please bring documentation or be prepared to discuss them with your provider.

Insurance and Identification: Don’t forget to bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and any forms you’ve received from our office.

Being prepared with this information helps ensure your annual physical is thorough and productive. We look forward to partnering with you in your health and wellness!

Whether you need to fast before your annual physical exam depends on the specific tests your healthcare provider plans to perform. In the past, fasting was commonly recommended—especially for blood work such as cholesterol (lipid panel) or blood sugar tests. Fasting usually means no eating or drinking anything except water for 8 to 12 hours before your appointment.

Recent research shows that most routine cholesterol and blood sugar tests can be done without fasting, and the results are still reliable. However, your provider may still recommend fasting in certain situations, such as if you have diabetes, specific health concerns, or if they want the most accurate baseline measurements.

To ensure you’re properly prepared for your visit, we recommend you contact us before your appointment to ask whether fasting is necessary for any blood tests we might order. If fasting is required, our team will provide you with clear instructions about when to start fasting, whether you can drink water, and if you should avoid certain medications before your exam.

At Wendell Family Medicine, Dr. Anna Marie Duncan and Dr. Lisa A. Bledsoe provide expert guidance to help you prepare for your annual physical. Bring an updated list of medications, any recent lab results, and a record of your family’s health history. This preparation allows for a thorough review of your overall health, from preventive screenings to chronic condition management. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2839 Wendell Blvd Suite 100, Wendell, NC 27591. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.