Annual exams and health screenings for adults are an important way to maintain health. If patients stay up to date with their health concerns, it is more likely that a health issue can be caught in the early stages. Annual exams allow you to receive guidance and care to remain healthy as you age. With early exams each year, doctors can recognize small changes, helping you learn of any potential problems and receive care much earlier than without annual health screenings.
Annual health screenings are necessary to help identify hidden problems or diseases in their early stages. Periodic health exams may uncover hidden conditions. Thankfully, when caught early, doctors can act quickly and explain how to proceed. Depending on the diagnosis, you and your doctor will likely work closely together to avoid unfavorable outcomes and to prevent further harm.
Importance of Health Screenings
Responsible adults should follow guidelines recommended for annual health tests. Staying up-to-date with cancer screenings allows doctors to check your body before you experience any symptoms. Additionally, screenings check for sicknesses or diseases. When caught early, symptoms may be less severe, and some conditions can be completely prevented.
Adults who opt for annual screenings are more likely to catch health problems than those who do not take part in annual screenings. Routine preventative care is necessary as we age. For adults, annual screenings allow you and your doctors to monitor your progress, symptoms, or any issues that arise.
Health Screenings for Adults
According to MedlinePlus, you should visit your health care provider annually, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of annual health visits is to encourage a healthy lifestyle, screen for medical issues, and update vaccinations.
The health screenings you take part in allow doctors to check the following:
- Blood pressure
- Kidney functions
- Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screening
- Heart disease screening
- Cholesterol level screening
- Dental exams
- Eye exams
- Infectious disease screenings such as hepatitis C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Physical exams acknowledging height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
- Testicular exams for men
- Skin exams
- Colon cancer screening
In addition to the above, immunizations and vaccines are commonly recommended for individuals. These include:
- Flu shot
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Varicella vaccine
- Tetanus-diphtheria
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Patients who remain steadfast in their healthcare journey should consider receiving various health screenings each year.
The Physical Exam
If you are taking part in a health screening, your doctor will likely want to perform a physical exam to rule out certain health conditions. During the physical exam, your doctor may:
- Ask about your history of drug or alcohol use, depression or anxiety, and if you take any medications
- Perform a testicular exam for men.
- Take a closer look at your skin for signs of skin cancer
- Take your vital signs
- Look closely at the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
- Check heartbeat, breathing, and the abdomen
- Ask questions about your mental health
Those who take part in an annual exam can have the peace of mind that comes with a clean bill of health.
Receive a Screening Today
Whether you are experiencing symptoms you want a doctor to take a look at or it is time for your annual check-up, health screenings can be a strong part of maintaining health. By taking part in annual screenings, you can learn about any subtle health changes.
Dr. Victor Gura has an extensive history of treating patients and performing physical exams. Dr. Gura is a board-certified kidney specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. If you are experiencing health issues or it is time for your yearly check-up, contact us today to learn more about yearly screenings and how they can help you not only learn more about your body, but prevent potential life-threatening conditions from developing.