Why an Annual Physical Is a Great Habit to Keep Up With
You’re super busy with your life, career, family, friends, and myriad interests. The idea of taking a few hours a year just to have a physical examination may seem like a luxury at first. But when you think about how much maintenance other areas of your life take — including your home, your car, your appearance, and your clothing — you start to see the value.
Check in with a checkup
Even when you’re feeling well, a physical checkup gives you a chance to check in with your doctor, discuss any concerns you might have, and make sure that everything’s in working order. Another benefit to an annual exam is that it helps you develop a deeper relationship with your doctor, so you have a trusting place to turn when you do have health worries.
At Nu Wave Medical Center, expert clinician and founder Dr. Gurprit Sekhon encourages annual exams for all of the women and men in her care. Not only is an annual physical a chance for her to evaluate your overall health — she also takes the time to help you learn more about wellness and prevention.
Basic tests for your health
Although Dr. Sekhon customizes your annual exam to your individual needs, she always conducts a thorough and comprehensive physical evaluation to make sure each area of your body is functioning properly. She also takes blood and urine tests to analyze the health of your internal organs.
Some components of an annual physical may include:
- Measuring your height and weight
- Examining your eyes, nose, ears, and throat
- Taking blood pressure
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Listening to and palpating your abdomen
- Examining your tonsils, head, and neck
- Testing reflexes, nerves, and joints
- Testing your balance
Dr. Sekhon also asks you about any medications you may be on, asks whether you’ve had any troubling symptoms, and asks about your family medical history. If she suspects high blood pressure or a problem with your heart, she can conduct an echocardiogram (EKG) at the Nu Wave office, with results ready in just a few hours to days.
Specialized tests when needed
Depending on your age and sex, Dr. Sekhon may perform or recommend specialized tests, including a blood-lipid profile (cholesterol test). If you have a medical condition, Dr. Sekhon may order or refer you for further testing.
Tests for women may include:
- Mammogram
- Hormone level test
- PAP smear
- Breast exam
- Pregnancy test
- Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
For men, Dr. Sekhon may test for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and STDs.
A treatment plan just for you
Based on the results of her exam and tests, Dr. Sekhon devises an individualized treatment plan. If all of your tests are normal, then just keep up the good work.
As a board-certified internist, Dr. Sekhon is qualified to diagnose and treat any disease or condition. She specializes in helping women and men stay healthy while managing a range of health conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
She also keeps you up to date on vaccinations and offers medically supervised weight loss.
To make sure that everything’s in working order, start your good habit by calling us today to set up your annual physical.