Why An Annual Physical Is an Important Habit

An annual physical is the best gift you can give yourself, even if you feel fine and believe you are totally healthy. At Prestige Primary Care in Dallas, Texas, Asif Aziz, MD, Shobha Pandey, FHP, and the rest of the medical team, our team offers comprehensive physicals in-office.

We recommend that everyone schedules a physical exam annually so you can continue enjoying a long, happy, and healthy life.

How annual physicals differ from other visits

An annual physical is a preventive exam that allows our team to monitor changes in your health from one visit to the next. The exam also helps identify potential health conditions in the earliest stages, when treatment is typically most effective.

Alternatively, a sick visit is an appointment you schedule when you’re not feeling well, have pain, or need treatment for an injury.

If you have a chronic disease, like diabetes or asthma, you’ll need to schedule routine check-ups as part of our chronic care management services. These visits ensure your condition is under control and your treatment works without complications.

What’s involved in an annual physical

At the time of your exam, we will review your personal and family medical history, any unusual symptoms you’ve had since your last visit, and any concerns about your current health. We will also discuss your lifestyle, diet, and exercise routine.

You can expect us to evaluate important aspects of your health, including your:

• Height
• Weight
• Lung function
• Skin health
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Joint flexibility
• Muscle strength

Depending on your individual health needs and medical history, you may also need blood work and other diagnostic screenings to identify warning signs of chronic diseases. Dr. Rigsby can also screen for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues during your physical.

Benefits of annual physicals

Annual physicals allow us to evaluate your overall health from one year to the next. Benefits of a routine physical include:

Screenings for disease

Through our preventive screening services, we can also identify health issues like high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels that can increase your risk for chronic diseases.

Disease prevention

Routine physicals are also a great time to get updated on vaccinations for contagious diseases, including the seasonal flu.

Optimize functionality

As part of your physical, we ensure you’re functioning at your best. Our team can also provide you with the resources you need to lose weight, quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, and learn how to manage stress better. 

If we identify potential issues during a physical exam that put your health at risk, we can order additional testing or customize a treatment plan to get your condition under control.

Our goals for annual physicals are to optimize your health and keep your risk for chronic diseases low. We also enjoy building an open line of communication and a foundation of trust with each patient at their annual physicals.

If it’s been longer than a year since your last physical, don’t put off your appointment for another day. Call Prestige Primary Care to schedule an appointment or request a consultation online today.