Even if you feel great and have no health concerns, seeing your primary care provider once a year establishes a baseline for your health. In this way, changes that may have gone unnoticed that may impact your health can be detected early. If problems are found early, they may be easier to treat and less likely to pose a health issue.
What is included in a wellness exam?
Every wellness exam is a little different and will be different depending on your gender or age. However, there are some things that your provider will always check which include:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Body scan for suspicious moles or skin lesions
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Check abdomen, thyroid glands and lymph nodes for abnormalities
- Check ears
- Review medical history and any concerns
Wellness Exams for Females
In addition to yearly check-ups, women also have well-women exams. Both an annual wellness exam and a well-women exam can be done at the same time. A well-woman exam focuses on the female reproductive system.
Women’s exams can also include:
- Breast Exams
- Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
- Ordering routine screenings such as Mammogram or Thermograms
Wellness Exam for Males
Men typically visit their provider less than women do however just like women, men may also be affected by common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression. They may also have conditions that are specific only to men.
Men’s exams can also include:
- Prostrate Screening
- Ordering blood work such as Cholesterol and blood sugar tests
- Testicular cancer screen
Exam Checklist for Older Adults
Physical exams are one of the keys to maintaining overall health as we age. Make sure to inquire about specific tests for your age group or circumstances.
- Colonoscopy 50 years and older
- Bone density about 65
- Blood Glucose Test usually starting at 45
- EKG baseline for adults over 50
- Prostrate for 50 years and older