Often men take better care of their cars and yards than they do their own bodies. Receiving a yearly physical exam for men is especially important, however, because your doctor can determine if you’re at high risk for any diseases, provide preventive care, and screen for a number of potential health issues.
Just as your car needs regular tune-ups and oil changes, you need a physical checkup. Here are three great reasons to schedule your annual physical exam today:
A Physical Exam Covers Your Bases
During your annual exam, your doctor will check your:
- Abdominal area by pressing on your abdomen and listening for bowel sounds with a stethoscope.
- Arms and legs, checking your pulse and joints for anything abnormal.
- Head and neck, including your eyes, ears, nose, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
- Heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Overall mobility, such as your ability to sit and stand easily.
- Skin and nails for suspicious moles or signs of nail fungus
- Vital signs, like heart rate, respiration rate, temperature and blood pressure
- Weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)
Your doctor may also order a blood test to measure your:
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol levels
- Complete blood count
They will also ask you about your:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Activity level and how often you exercise
- Family history of disease
- Mental well-being
A Physical Can Keep You Well
A checkup will help your doctor determine warning signs for diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and more, so you can receive treatment or make lifestyle changes before the problem worsens.
A physical is also a good time to have a conversation with your doctor about whether or not a prostate cancer screening or lung cancer screening is right for you. Your physician may also recommend scheduling a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer based on your age and risk factors.
You’ll Have a Sounding Board for Your Health Questions
If you have any health concerns, such as chest pain, nagging discomfort in your knee, allergies, stomach troubles or sexual health questions, your doctor is a nonjudgmental resource who can arrange a follow-up appointment for additional discussion or refer you to the right specialist for evaluation.
The bottom line: if you have a health issue, don’t ignore it. There are many things PCPs can do to alleviate health issues before they become bigger problems.
Search for a provider near you to schedule your physical today.
