What are physicals?
Physicals are appointments with your primary care provider that go over many different aspects of your health and body.
Your provider takes certain measurements after discussing your personal medical history and family medical history. You should mention any unusual symptoms or changes you’ve noticed since your last visit.
During a routine physical, your provider:
- Asks about your health and behaviors
- Measures and records your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
- Visually examines your overall appearance and skin
- Examines your eyes, nose, and throat
- Palpates various organs and parts of your body
- Tests your reflexes
Toward the end of your visit, your provider might recommend other services like laboratory tests, screening tests, or immunization updates.
Why do I need a physical?
Physicals can benefit you at any time, but there are a few specific purposes for physicals that might lead you to book your next appointment at Odam Medical Group. The team provides a variety of physicals.
Annual physicals
Starting with well-child visits during childhood and adolescence, you should get a yearly physical for no other reason than to track your health. Your provider can identify and interpret changes in your health that have occurred over the years, and you can stay up to date on necessary immunizations and screenings.
School physicals
Schools often require a physical exam as a condition of enrollment. The findings show that your child is healthy and that attending school won’t put their health or others’ health at risk.
Sports physicals
Whether you’re on a sports team or work out as a hobby, you should get a sports physical to make sure you’re healthy enough to safely participate in your chosen sport.
Pre-op physicals
If you have an upcoming surgery, your providers might tell you to get a pre-op physical to make sure you’re not at a particularly high risk for cardiac issues, infections, and other complications from surgery.
Immigration physicals
Getting an immigration physical is part of the application process for United States citizenship. Your provider makes sure you don’t have any infectious diseases, won’t pose a threat to the health of the population, and are up to date on your immunizations.
How often do I need a physical?
Most health experts agree that you should get a physical at least once a year to check in with your provider, ask relevant health questions, and keep track of your health. Getting physicals regularly may lead to an early diagnosis of a disease that would be much harder to treat in later stages.
To schedule your next annual physical or a physical for sports, school, or an upcoming surgery, call Odam Medical Group or book online today.
