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Everyone wonders about their health from time to time. You may wonder if the achiness in your back is normal or if your digestive issues are serious. Most people brush off minor symptoms, considering them too insignificant for a doctor visit.
But that’s what your annual physical is for.
Think of it as the one appointment where you can bring up all the little health questions that have been on your mind and bugging you. Board-certified physician Dr. Asif Aziz at Prestige Primary Care in Dallas, Texas, welcomes all your questions and listens to all your concerns — it’s the best way to get to know you, understand your unique health status, and catch potential problems before they get out of hand.
He examines you from head to toe during your routine annual physical, checking for changes. Changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, skin condition, eyes, ears, energy, strength, weight, and temperature tell us a lot about what’s going on inside and where we need to look more closely.
Annual physicals are the best way to establish your baseline numbers, so we have something to compare them to the following year. While Dr. Aziz conducts the exam, you also play an integral role in the appointment. Your job is to express your concerns, ask questions, and bring up issues that provide insight into your health. Here are five topics you might discuss.
1. Your personal and family medical history
Since many conditions run in families, discussing your family’s medical history with Dr. Aziz during your annual physical is essential. Knowing the medical conditions that have affected your family helps him determine if you’re at risk for any genetic diseases or conditions.
Tell Dr. Aziz if any family members have had cancer, heart disease, or other serious illnesses so he can provide appropriate screenings and advice.
If you’re new to Prestige Primary Care, have your personal medical records transferred so we’re up to speed on your past illnesses and injuries.
2. Medications and supplements
Be sure to tell Dr. Aziz about all the medications and supplements you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, and anything else you may use to treat or improve your health.
Knowing your medications helps us monitor their effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and avoid potential drug interactions or side effects.
3. Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits
You know that eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are essential to your health, but you may not always meet those goals. Your annual physical is a good time to tell Dr. Aziz about your routines and habits and determine if you’re doing enough or need to improve your routine.
Dr. Aziz lets you know if you need to lose a few pounds to take the stress off your knees or cut back on junk food to keep your heart healthy. He can also help you develop a healthy eating plan that meets your nutritional needs and provide tips on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. And if you smoke, Dr. Aziz can help you quit.
4. Mental health issues
Your mental health can directly affect your physical health. For example, depression and anxiety can lead to:
- Constricted blood vessels and decreased blood flow
- Hypersensitivity to pain
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Decreased sex drive
- Weakened immune system
If you have symptoms of mental health issues, tell Dr. Aziz. He can recommend treatments like therapy or medication, if necessary.
5. Vaccinations and screenings
Your annual physical is also a good time to discuss vaccinations and screenings recommended based on your age or personal risk factors such as lifestyle habits or family history.
Even adults need vaccinations. For example, most people should get annual flu shots. If you’re 50 or older, you should get a shingles shot, and you might need a Tdap vaccine if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years.
Folks over 40 should get a colonoscopy (screening for colon cancer) every 10 years (or more frequently if you have a high risk). Women at average risk for breast cancer have the option to start mammogram screenings at age 40, women 45-54 should get an annual mammogram, and you can switch to every other year after 55.
Your personal history and risk factors may trump these general guidelines — Dr. Aziz can explain which vaccines and screenings are appropriate for your unique situation.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain with an annual physical, so call or click to schedule your appointment at Prestige Primary Care today.