Staying on top of your annual physical is one of the easiest ways to keep your health in check: The screening tools and diagnostic tests that are used during an annual exam can help you understand your health risks and allow your doctor to spot problems early on before they become chronic. Karen Reid-Renner, MD, and the first-rate team of Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Spa offer annual physicals to patients in Bloomington, Indiana. Call or book your annual physical using the online tool.
Annual Physicals
What is an annual wellness physical?
The main goals of having an annual wellness physical are to assess your current health status, make note of any changes, analyze your health risks, and spot problems early on to either treat them or prevent them from developing. During the exam, Dr. Reid-Renner will record your current height and weight, check your blood pressure and pulse, listen to your heart and lungs, look inside your ears and nose, and draw blood to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
If you’re due for other specific screenings or vaccinations, depending on your age, gender, and medical history, Dr. Reid-Renner will let you know. She’ll also want to discuss any health issues or concerns you may have.
Should I get a physical if I am healthy?
Even if you’re relatively healthy and have never experienced any major health problems, having an annual physical can still be quite beneficial. In addition to increasing your chances of catching potentially serious problems early on, your annual wellness physical creates a valuable record of your key health measurements, including your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels.
You can discuss any over-the-counter medications you may be taking, get nutrition and exercise recommendations, or ask for tips on how to improve sleep. Your annual physical also gives you a chance to establish a relationship with Dr. Reid-Renner so that if you do develop a more pressing health problem, you’ll be more comfortable about seeking treatment.
How should I prepare for my physical?
Before you go to your annual wellness physical, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared. Aside from the basic instructions you’ll receive from Dr. Reid-Renner’s medical office, including reminders not to eat anything after midnight if you’re having blood work, you should take some time to review your family history. Make note of any close relatives with heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Dr. Reid-Renner will include this history in your chart, and keep it in mind when recommending lifestyle strategies that can help you prevent illness.
Your family history may also prompt Dr. Reid-Renner to suggest you have additional health screenings. If you aren’t sure, you can ask whether you’re due for any specific screenings, such as a mammogram, Pap smear, or colonoscopy. To get the most out of your physical, bring a list of your medications and a list of questions you’d like to ask Dr. Reid-Renner, so you won’t forget once the exam is underway.
To schedule a physical, call Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Spa or request an appointment using the online too.