Question 1

are annual physicals important

Accepted Answer

Depends: There is controversy within evidence based medicine whether or not annual preventive physicals are necessary.  The short answer--if you have a genetic or family history, or a personal history of chronic health issues, are a menstruating female or a man over 50, then annual preventive assessments are a good idea.  Annual visits are always a good idea, though, just to go over your health questions!

Question 2

what happens during an annual physical?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the thoroughness of the examination and it is may be tailored to any symptoms.  The minimum includes, pulse, respiratory rate, weight, blood pressure, examination of ear nose throat, eyes, neck for thyroid and lymph nodes, heart and lung examination, palpation of abdomen and examination of genitalia, peripheral pulses, muscle strength, reflexes, sensory examination etc.

Question 3

what annual exams have been proven valuable?

Accepted Answer

Annual exams: History, heart, lungs, abdomen, breast, 
prostate rectal exams, skin survey
any changes that have occured since the last exam.

Question 4

what health exams should i be getting annually?

Accepted Answer

Prevention for Men: While the value of an annual checkup can depend on age, as well as personal &amp; family history, the following are recommended for men by the US Dept of Health &amp; Human Services: 1) Prostate exam at age 50; 2) Regular cholesterol checks after age 35; 3) Blood pressure checked every 2 years; 4) Colon cancer screening at age 50; 5) test for diabetes, especially if blood pressure is higher than 135/80.

Question 5

what tests are done for an annual health check ?

Accepted Answer

It varies: There is no single standard set of tests done by doctors. Most docs will order a CBC (blood count), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (electrolytes, kidney and liver function) and cholesterol. Some might order HbA1c (diabetes screen). While not routine, I advise checking CRP (inflammatory marker) &amp; homocysteine. Thyroid (not just TSH but free T3) PSA &amp; testosterone may be ordered based on symptoms.

Question 6

how many annual tests have been shown to be useful after 40? 60?

Accepted Answer

Depends on health : Status. Doing lab tests without an indication is generally not useful. For screening, fasting blood sugar and lipids, and blood count may be minimally useful.

Question 7

what's the best diet for my 8th grader during her annual state exams?

Accepted Answer

Same as always: Proper diet is essential at all times, not just for exams!

Question 8

is it necessary to schedule an annual physical for an otherwise healthy 46 year-old woman?

Accepted Answer

Necessary? No. But..: There are a number of tests, procedures and counseling options that might be appropriate for you at this age, e.g., a pap smear, mammogram, cholesterol screening, but few of these need to be done on an annual basis, for the average healthy person. Seeing your doctor annually gives you a chance to ask questions and seek advice even if only a focused exam is needed.

Question 9

i heard there are centers with good annual exam programs for executives. can anyone go there?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: They are generally more costly, but the good ones thoroughly evaluate your health.

Question 10

for someone in their 20s or 30s who is in good health, are annual physicals necessary? if so, why? if not, why not?

Accepted Answer

Low yield but useful: While the yield is low for finding significant pathology on routine physical examination in young, healthy adults in this age range, this is the age where early detection of breast cancer, heart disease or other potentially sinister maladies may save lives. If you are the individual who has a problem detected early, you will definitely think that the annual physical was necessary.

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A member asked:

Are annual physicals important

A member asked:

What happens during an annual physical?

A member asked:

What annual exams have been proven valuable?

A member asked:

What health exams should i be getting annually?

A member asked:

What tests are done for an annual health check ?

A member asked:

How many annual tests have been shown to be useful after 40? 60?

A member asked:

What's the best diet for my 8th grader during her annual state exams?

A member asked:

Is it necessary to schedule an annual physical for an otherwise healthy 46 year-old woman?

A member asked:

I heard there are centers with good annual exam programs for executives. can anyone go there?

A member asked:

For someone in their 20s or 30s who is in good health, are annual physicals necessary? if so, why? if not, why not?

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