Regardless of your age or stage you are at in life, it is essential to your health to have an annual physical examination done. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to identify and treat problems before they get worse. Hearing medical advice at a health care clinic near you that offers a physical check-up is beneficial to track your progress towards your health goals.

Many people may think physicals are just for young kids since it is required for sports, school, and more, but it is just as crucial to continue getting them done as an adult. Below you will learn about 5 reasons that it is important to get a physical done annually for both children and adults.

1. Updating Your Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important tool for protecting the health of individuals and communities. By getting vaccinated, you can help prevent the spread of serious, often life-threatening diseases. They are not just meant for kids, but also adults to need to keep them up to date to prevent various diseases. Your doctor at an urgent care will look over the vaccines you have had in the past and possible risk factors during your physical exam and recommend some immunizations such as:

  • Flu vaccine: recommended for people 6 months and older.
  • Covid-19 vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, offering a shot to help prevent any serious illness related to Covid.
  • HPV vaccine: protect against cancers that are caused by human papillomavirus.
  • Shingles vaccine: recommended to anyone 50 and above.
  • Tdap vaccine: a combination vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular (contains no cells) pertussis, or “whooping cough,” and requires a booster for adults.

These are just a few immunizations that may be recommended, but it is important to go get a physical to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date.

2. Update Your Medical Records

A lot can change over the course of a year, so it is crucial to have your medical records updated from year to year. Your annual physical exam is the best time to let your doctor at your urgent care know what has changed for you or your child. Some examples of changes that you should be sure to make your doctor aware of are:

  • Changes in your medication intake. Provide your doctor with what medications you are currently taking or may have stopped taking since the last visit.
  • Allergies to food, medications, or the environment.
  • Mental health: Your doctor may have a written test or screening to test for depression or anxiety.
  • Family history may be asked about so the doctor is made aware of any new health issues a family member may have so they can look out for the condition in you.
  • Social changes: This may include lifestyle changes such as smoking habits, alcohol intake, sexual activity, or exercise changes.
  • In case of emergency: If an emergency occurs your medical records being up to date can help your healthcare professional provide proper medicine and care.

3. Screening For Cancer

During your physical exam, your doctor may screen for cancer to catch it early when it is the most treatable. Your health care provider at your urgent care will consider the age and any risk factors but may recommend having you screened for breast, lung, colon, prostate, cervical, or skin cancer. Cancer screening recommendations are constantly being updated, so it is a good idea to talk with your primary care provider to decide what is best for you. Screening for cancer is an important step to having your physical done as an adult as when cancers are caught early on, there is a greater chance to treat it successfully. According to Cancer.Gov screening tests reduce the chance that someone is likely to die from cancer and has greater benefits than it does harm.

4. Oral Health Assessment

Your doctor may order some blood tests depending on your risk factor, age, lifestyle, and family history during your physical exam. Some of these tests may include:

  • Blood pressure screening
  • Cholesterol screening to test for cholesterol levels present in your blood.
  • Blood glucose level test to see how much sugar is in your blood. The doctor may recommend you reduce your sugar intake.
  • Body mass index calculation using your height and weight to determine a healthy level of nutrition and healthy weight.

5. Establish A Relationship With Your Provider

Your doctor is your primary healthcare provider so establishing a good relationship with them is a nice benefit to going to get your physical done yearly. Although you may only see them once a year for that physical, or for some illnesses or injuries along the way, it is good for them to know who you are and have a healthy relationship with them.

During your visit to Jacksboro Urgent Care for your annual physical exam whether that be you as an adult or for your child, the focus is on preventing anything to keep you healthy and your overall wellness. Your doctor will allow time for any questions or concerns you may have as well such as treatments or medications.

Schedule your annual physical exam with Jacksboro Urgent Care today to benefit you or your child’s health the best you can. A routine physical is one of the biggest health benefits you can do for preventative measures. Walk-ins are available for a physical examination, but appointments are recommended.