Blog Post

Why You Should Get an Annual Physical Exam

May 16, 2022

Introduction

A complete, regular examination by your physician has been an integral part of the healthcare system in the USA. Annual health checks have almost been a mandate among most adults. However, over the recent years, there have been several questions arising over their necessity and importance. Similar to the debate on vaccinations and their merit, the question of the merit of health checks has also come under suspicion by some members of society that lack a scientific temperament.

While health checks will not prevent you from falling sick, they can certainly help prevent major ailments, predict predispositions and risks, and assist in the early detection of issues. A routine annual checkup ensures that you receive the best medical care available at the right time.

Should You Get an Annual Physical Exam?

An annual physical is most beneficial, and these advantages are not restricted to the examination and its results. There are several allied reasons as to why you should get an annual physical exam. Let’s look at a few of them.

● It helps build a rapport with your doctor and helps them understand you and your physiology better. This helps in treatment and prognosis should you become ill in the future, as the doctor will already have an idea of your medical history firsthand. It is also a terrific way to build trust with your doctor.

● An annual checkup helps you discuss and alter lifestyle and dietary choices when the need arises. Often, your health may not require any medical course of action, but as we advance in age, our body undergoes certain changes that need to be met with the right choices that we make. An annual physical helps you understand these needs and cater to them better.

● You can ascertain your health status, including how your body is handling aging and its related conditions. Understanding your levels of health will enable you to remain healthy and care for yourself better.

● Knowing that you have an annual physical that covers various aspects of your health and lifestyle makes you more vigilant. It teaches you to look for signs of ailments or discomfort and so you can address these issues in a timely fashion. Being watchful for certain signs and changes can help you arrest or address your health needs faster.

Inclusions in an Annual Physical Exam

Every annual physical exam is tailored to the age, symptoms, and predispositions of the individual. Our doctors will check for vital signs and assess the kinds of tests that you will need for your physical examination. Some commonly suggested tests include:

● EKG Screenings: It is advised if a risk for heart disease or disorder is suspected.

● Urine Tests: It is done to rule out any conditions or symptoms suspected.

The Annual Physical

Almost every physical examination includes some standard elements. This helps you have a comprehensive understanding of your body and its functioning and prepares you to remain healthy and maintain your lifestyle optimally. These include:

● Vitals: This forms the baseline assessment. As part of this test, you will have your blood pressure, respiration rate, heart rate, and temperature recorded.

● Physical: For these tests, you will be visually inspected to check the health of your eyes, throat, ears, nose, and face to identify any issues. Your abdomen may also be examined at this stage. Dermatological issues may be identified at this stage, too.

● Vaccination: If any of your routine inoculations are due, they will be recorded and administered at this stage.

● Screening: If you are due for any routine screening, it will be suggested. You may need to undergo a check for bone density, blood work, or a colonoscopy.

● Treatment and Prevention: This is when your current treatment and medication plans will be reviewed and managed. You may notice changes or additions made to your medication depending on the results and observations.

● Update: Your medical records will be updated in line with the current status. This will help in future visits and scheduling the next checkup.

Additional Checks During Your Annual Physical

The tests and checks are incomplete without an investigation into your health and habits. Here are some questions you should anticipate during your annual physical:

● Substance Use: Your doctor will definitely need to know more about your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or any other narcotic drugs. It would be in your best interest to provide a truthful insight into your habits so that the doctors can help ascertain if they are likely to cause any harm to your health.

● Family History: Our genetic predisposition plays an imperative role in our health. Understanding the family history will help check for markers that could be triggers or influence your health in the present and future.

● Updates: Our lifestyle plays a vital role in our health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can impact our physiology in impactful ways. Your doctor may want updates on your employment, family status, and other aspects of your life in general. This will help alert them evaluate your psychological well-being and channel their attention towards aspects that need to be monitored more closely.

Gendered Elements of the Test

Certain sex-segregated tests are also suggested as part of the annual physical examination. These include the following.

For Males

Hernia Exam: This process includes the physician feeling the region for a bulge and any reactions of pain. Coughing may also evoke stinging pain, if any.

Testicular Exam: The physician will check for lumps, pain/tenderness, or any changes in size in the testicles. This is done to identify early signs of testicular cancer.

Prostate Exam: The physician will insert their finger into the rectum to feel for any enlargement.

Penis Exam: The physician will check for symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases like ulcers or warts on the penis.

For Females

Pelvic Exam: The physician will exam the woman’s pelvic floor, vagina, vulva, cervix, and uterus. If any abnormalities are found in any of these organs, further investigation may be advised. A pap smear test may also be done to rule out cervical cancer risks.

Breast Exam: The doctor will check for visual abnormalities in the breast region. Further, they will feel for lumps in the breast and underarm areas. These lumps, if any, may be cancerous or benign which will further be determined by a biopsy.

Bone Density Tests: Although low bone density can occur in both sexes, studies suggest that women (especially those aged above 50) are five times more susceptible to developing osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Preparing For Your Annual Physical

Your annual physical examination requires some planning and preparation from your end as well. Thoroughly planning your physical will ensure that it is worthwhile. Some things you need to do in preparation include:

● Plan: Make yourself available and free during your physical. This means coordinating to have all the tests planned and scheduled to have all your reports available when you meet with your doctor to discuss them.

● Data: If you have any additional data, such as trackers and diet charts, do carry them with you. This will help in having a more holistic discussion and help create a better, more comprehensive health plan with your doctor.

● Questions: There are bound to be questions that arise during your discussion with your doctor. However, going over your tests and history to frame questions beforehand will help you feel more reassured and convinced after your consultation. Make sure you ask every question before you leave the consultation room.

● History: You must carry your complete medical records and history to your physical. This should include records of vaccinations, surgeries, procedures, and medication. This will help your doctor arrive at a more accurate diagnosis and suggest a more relevant course of treatment.

Why You Need a Physical Examination

Everyone can benefit from an annual physical examination. While children need annual visits to detect their developmental milestones, these visits tend to become more sporadic as they grow older. In individuals over the age of 40, annual visits become imperative. Here are just a few reasons why an annual physical examination is really important:

● Ensuring children receive their required vaccinations and are checked for development and growth.

● Checking for health ailments and timely intervention.

● Adjustment and modification of current treatment plans.

● Constant monitoring as a way of helping reach your desired fitness and wellness goals.

Wrapping Up

While it may feel like one should only get a health checkup when the need arises, being in regular touch with your practitioner and having yourself screened can help detect ailments in time. You can certainly do your bit by ensuring plenty of rest and exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and lowering stress levels.

Partnering with a professional is not just about staying healthy but also about building the comfort and reassurance of feeling adequately cared for. If you are looking for expert advice from those you can trust, Rocky Vista can provide you with all the necessary assistance in consulting, diagnostics, and holistic care. Schedule an appointment with us today! You may also visit us at:

Rocky Vista Health Center

Location: 8401 S CHAMBERS RD, PARKER, CO, 80134

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What is a Nephrologist and When Should You See One?

By PatientPoint Launch • 02 Jun, 2022

A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the kidneys and the urinary tract, according to the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). A person with a suspected kidney problem, or patients who suffer from conditions like hypertension and diabetes that could lead to potential kidney problems, often turn to a nephrologist for treatment. But what does this job entail, and how do you decide if you should you see one? Read on to understand better. Nephrology Overview Nephrology is a branch of medicine that primarily deals with the kidneys, which are the structures that produce, filter, and excrete urine. Nephrologists are the doctors who treat kidney problems. These doctors can specialize in treating any part of the kidney, or diseases of the urinary tract, its blood supply and surrounding tissues. Being a branch of internal medicine, Nephrology often works closely with other specialties such as urology and hematology. Nephrologists also work closely with clinical laboratories and radiology departments to diagnose and treat kidney disease. As Americans age, more people suffer from chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and chronic kidney disease—all conditions that can lead to kidney failure. The aging population and advances in medical technology have helped create a greater demand for nephrologists than ever before. What Do Nephrologists Do? Nephrology is the medical specialty that deals with the kidneys and their diseases. Nephrologists work with patients who have any type of kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy and chronic renal failure. They also help patients manage disorders such as hypertension (high blood pressure), polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and renal calculi (stones). Nephrologists may treat patients who have had a kidney transplant or are undergoing dialysis. A nephrologist can perform tests such as a urinalysis and blood tests to determine whether a patient has an infection or another condition that could be causing their symptoms. In addition to these tests, nephrologists also perform other diagnostic procedures such as imaging studies, biopsies, and even surgeries, when required. Nephrologist's Education and Training? To become a nephrologist, you must complete four years of medical school and three years of residency training in nephrology. If you have an MD degree, you can complete this training in one year less than if you were to obtain an MD/Ph.D. degree. After completing your residency program, you must pass two examinations to become board-certified in nephrology: one for internal medicine and one for subspecialty certification in nephrology. Nephrologists often work in private practice as well as hospitals. They may manage patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, or other disorders of the blood vessels, glomeruli, or tubules. What Diseases Are Managed by Nephrologists? Kidney diseases can be classified into two major groups: structural abnormalities and functional abnormalities. Structural abnormalities include kidney stones and tumors (growths) on the kidneys or urinary tract organs. Functional abnormalities include infections, obstructions, metabolic disorders, and genetic disorders such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The most common illnesses managed by nephrologists include: 1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) CKD is a long-term condition that reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter blood properly. As a result, nephrons in the kidney are lost to glomerulosclerosis, which is the scarring or break down of glomerulus. As a result, wastes build up in the body and cause serious health problems if not managed. Protein in the muscles break down and spike creatinine levels in the blood, which is usually indicative of progress in the disease. Based on creatinine levels and GFR rate, CKD is classified into various stages, and nephrologists treat their patients accordingly. People with end-stage renal disease may require dialysis or even organ transplantation. 2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) AKI occurs when there is sudden damage to one or both kidneys. AKI can be life-threatening if left untreated. It can be caused by heart problems that lead to poor blood supply to the kidneys, organ failure, severe dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, among other things. Acute toxic kidney injury occurs due to poisoning from various nephrotoxic substances like antifreeze. It requires immediate medical attention so as to not turn into a life-threatening condition. 3. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) PKD is a caused by an inherited gene mutation that causes cysts to form on the kidneys over time. In rare cases, there can also be a ‘spontaneous’ gene mutation that wasn’t inherited. Cysts are tiny sacs filled with fluid that can cause the kidneys to enlarge over time. Gradually, they replace a major part of your kidney, leading to loss of renal function. PKD can also cause cysts to grow in the liver, and lead to problems in your liver and heart. This condition cannot be cured, but its symptoms can certainly be managed effectively by nephrologists. In severe cases, structural alterations or transplants may also be done. 4. Kidney Stones Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside your kidneys when residual minerals such as calcium or uric acid harden into crystals or small lumps. Improper diet patterns, some medications/supplements, obesity, and hereditary factors can contribute towards the development of kidney stones. Nephrologists may treat this condition using medication to dissolve them or invasive/non-invasive surgery, based on the severity. When Should You See a Nephrologist? It's important to know when it's time to seek help from a specialist in nephrology because some conditions require immediate treatment with medication or surgery. If you're experiencing symptoms of kidney disease, you should see your primary care provider first. If they are able to diagnose and treat your condition, they will. If not, they will refer you to a nephrologist who will definitely be able to treat you. Let's take a look at some common symptoms that may require seeing a nephrologist: ● You have new-onset hypertension (high blood pressure) and anemia (low red blood cell count). These conditions often occur together because high blood pressure can cause damage to the kidneys, as well as lead to Chronic Kidney Disease, which could progress into End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) if left untreated. ● You have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and have protein in your urine (proteinuria). Proteinuria is one of the earliest signs of Chronic Kidney Disease. If you have Type 2 Diabetes and any degree of proteinuria—even if it's only slightly elevated—you should be evaluated by a nephrologist. ● You have unexplained weight loss or fatigue despite getting enough sleep at night, you may require a nephrology consultation. While these symptoms may be caused by something other than renal issues, they can also result from a kidney disorder. How Do Nephrologists Diagnose Kidney Diseases? They use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose kidney disease. The doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of kidney problems. You may also have blood and urine tests, an ultrasound exam, and other tests. Depending upon your condition, your nephrologists may ask you to take one or more tests, including: 1. Blood Tests A blood test checks for signs of kidney disease, such as high levels of creatinine or urea in your blood. The doctor may order blood tests to check levels of electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium levels, which can be high if you have heart failure caused by kidney disease. Blood sugar levels can be high if you have diabetes or prediabetes that hasn't been treated well. 2. Urinalysis Urinalysis checks for waste products from your kidneys in your urine. Protein in the urine is often a sign of kidney disease. Urine tests check the color and appearance of your urine and its volume and frequency. The results may indicate that you have protein in your urine, which can signify kidney disease. Other signs include urinating more often than usual or having trouble starting urine flow. 3. Creatinine Clearance Test Also called Creatinine Clearance Measures, these tests can indicate how well your kidneys remove excess waste products from your blood. The creatinine test is a common test ordered by doctors to monitor kidney function. A healthy adult should have 1.3 mg/dL or lower. If the result comes back high, it could indicate that you have an underlying medical condition affecting your kidneys' ability to cleanse your blood correctly. Final Thoughts Kidneys are master chemists of the body. They filter waste products from the bloodstream to make urine; they also regulate the balance of water, minerals, and chemicals in the body. Nephrology is a specialized field of medicine that requires physicians to know about renal function, how hypertension affects it, dialysis, and many aspects of endocrinology and nutrition, too. If you are looking to get your kidneys checked out, head to Rocky Vista Health Center for expert guidance and supervision. Schedule an appointment with us to experience our state-of-art medical facilities that provides our patients with the best of care.