Why do I need a complete physical?

When we call patients to schedule their yearly physical the most common question we hear is why? The answer to this simple question is equally simple. A yearly physical or health maintenance exam as they're more frequently called now is designed to do exactly that, maintain your health. While most people come in for sick visits, doctors also need to see you once a year when you're well! Sometimes we hear, "I'm young and healthy, I don't need one." Whether you're 2 or 102 or anywhere in between you should have a yearly well visit because there are measures you can take to stay young and healthy! It's a good time for us to review your medications, allergies and any changes to your or your family's health. This also gives us time to review your immunization status (immunizations aren't just for kids anymore) and any other preventative health screening that needs to be done (cholesterol and other labs, mammogram, pap smear, prostate exam to name a few). This is also a good time for you to ask any questions you have about your health! So if it's been a year or more since your last physical, call for an appointment today, your health is important to us!