Many General Physician says that preventing an illness is much easier than treating it; getting regular physical exams is one way of doing that. Routine checkups and physicals evaluate and assess for risk factors as well as screen for diseases. But how often should you get a physical examination? Read on to find out:
How often should you get a physical?
A physical examination or checkup is generally based on age. Risk factors, and overall health of the patient. Everyone is different. So people can have different recommendations. For health checkups as per the guidance of their primary healthcare provider.
For healthy adults, experts recommend a health checkup in the following way:
- Young adults ages 19 to 22: checkups must be done once every 2 to 3 years.
- Adults ages 22 to 30: once every 2 to 3 years.
- For adults ages 30 to 40: frequency should be increased to alternate years.
- Adults ages 40 to 50: once every other year
- Adults older than 50: yearly checkup must do
The frequency of these physicals can be increased. Three- or six-monthly if someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness. When the healthcare provider is following up on a diagnosis. For instance, if someone has a positive family history. Or risk factors like smoking. Hypertension, or diabetes. The doctor can recommend more frequent checkups.
Why should you get regular physicals?
Regular physicals are beneficial for health in the long run. Some of the benefits of regular physical examinations are:
- Early diagnosis: many life-threatening illnesses are timely diagnosed when one goes for regular check-ups. For instance, many cancers are caught in the early stages of the disease if regular physicals are done.
- Early treatment: once the diagnosis make. Timely treatment start for health conditions. This can greatly impact life expectancy. Improve the odds of a good outcomes for the patient.
- Monitoring of disease: for existing health issues like chronic kidney disease, heart disease. Or diabetes, monitoring can make all the difference. Regular monitoring of such chronic health issues can prevent complications and worsen symptoms.
- Performing screening tests: after a certain age, or in case of positive family history. Doctors recommend screening tests. Catch a disease early. For instance, in someone with a family history of colorectal carcinoma. Doctors would start. Recommend and start screening colonoscopy.
- Recommendations of the doctor: people who consult their primary physicians regularly are updated by them on current guidelines of disease. Lifestyle modifications as per their needs. This helps them improve their health and quality of life.
What must be included in the physical exam?
Physical examination begins with a complete history of the patient—including past medical history. Surgical history, current medication. And family history of diseases. This follow by the necessary investigations and physical exams.
For those aged 40 and above: cholesterol and lipid profiles evaluate every 5 years. And screening colonoscopy perform every 10 years.
For those aged 55 and above: lung cancer screening start. Especially for smokers. Vaccination for shingles don for those above the age of 60 years. And pneumococcal for those aged 65. above. Both genders in this age group should get a bone density scan. Men should talk to their doctors about prostate cancer screening. For women in this age group. Mammography and pap smear recommend.
General screening includes: checking for hypertension. Obesity, drug abuse, type 2 diabetes. Depression, and HIV screening for those at high risk.
What to talk to your doctor about?
Open communication is a must between you and Best General Physician in Islamabad. If you have questions about your health and general wellbeing. You should ask them during regular checkups. Be sure to note down the instructions of the doctor if you have difficulty remembering.
