Annual Physicals Specialist

Annual Physicals Q&A

What are annual physicals?

Annual physicals are general check-ups that help you maintain your whole-body health and wellness. Castle Hills Family Practice recommends annual physicals for people of all ages, and the practice customizes care according to each patient’s age, risk factors, and health needs.

What can I expect during annual physicals?

Your annual physicals may change from year to year, but in general, most include:

• Medical history
• Vital signs check — blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
• Heart and lung check
• Mouth and throat exam
• Head and neck exam
• Abdomen exam
• Skin exam
• Reflex check
• Strength and balance check
• Immunizations
• Medication prescription renewals or changes
• Chronic condition management

Preventive care is an important aspect of your annual physicals. You may need certain types of screenings based on your sex, age, and other individual factors. For example, you may need cardiovascular testing in the on-site lab if you’re at risk for heart disease. Women typically need female-specific tests like Pap smears and pelvic exams.

Most people also need blood or urine tests, which check for issues like anemia, infections, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

Your annual physical also includes the opportunity to discuss your health concerns and personal goals. Castle Hills Family Practice offers a wide range of services to meet your needs in the office, including aesthetics services like nonsurgical body sculpting with truSculpt® by Cutera®, and wrinkle reduction and acne treatment with the xeo® laser.

When should I schedule annual physicals?

You can schedule annual physicals at any time of year, but it’s ideal if you have each physical as close as possible to 12 months apart. For children’s annual physicals, many parents find it most convenient to schedule the exam just before each school year begins.

How do I prepare for annual physicals?

Preparation depends on what kind of tests you need during the physical. Castle Hills Family Practice lets you know about any particular preparation a few days before your appointment.

For example, you might need to fast before your exam if you’re having certain types of blood work. Or, if you’re having cardiovascular testing, you need to wear comfortable athletic shoes and loose light clothing.

What are the advantages of having annual physicals?

Having annual physicals means that you can maintain control of your health, establish a strong relationship with your health care providers, and avoid unpleasant health surprises.

Because annual physicals track your health changes year-to-year, they can quickly identify potential problems. Then, you can respond to this health threat with specific lifestyle changes, medications, or other approaches that can neutralize the problem and protect your long-term health.

Call Castle Hills Family Practice or click on the provided link to schedule your annual physical today.