Why You Need Your Annual Physical

Our America First Urgent Care team, with offices in Coppell, Bedford, and Mesquite, Texas, provides top-level services for all your healthcare needs. From fractures to acute illnesses like the flu or management of chronic diseases like diabetes, we can help.

And because we believe strongly in preventing illness whenever possible, our group also recommends comprehensive annual physicals for people of all ages. Here's why:   

1. Prevention and early disease detection

Annual physicals detect potential health issues or chronic disease risks before they become more serious. For example, early identification of trends such as elevated blood pressure, high blood sugars, or increased cholesterol levels allows you to reverse course.

For instance, the CDC estimates that 96 million Americans have prediabetes and about 80% don’t know it. Routine labs done in conjunction with a physical exam can highlight the problem before you develop full-blown diabetes and its many health complications.   

In addition, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other serious health concerns are often asymptomatic in their early stages. Information collected during an annual physical can catch a condition in its earliest stage when treatment is generally easier and most successful.

2. Establishing a baseline for your health

An annual physical provides your America First Urgent Care primary care physician a baseline for your weight, cholesterol levels, and other crucial health markers. This makes it easier to identify changes or concerning trends over time.

3. Monitoring chronic conditions

Annual physicals focus on prevention. However, if you have existing conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, a yearly physical is important for monitoring disease progression and ensuring that your current treatment plan is effective. In addition, regular check-ups provide an opportunity to discuss new research findings or treatments available for your condition.

4. Discussing health concerns

An annual physical provides time to discuss your health concerns or questions with your America First provider. This can include mental health, sexual health, lifestyle changes, and more. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your health needs.

5. Building a relationship with your healthcare provider

Regular annual physicals allow you to establish an ongoing relationship with your healthcare provider. This helps build trust and rapport, which is beneficial if you need medical care for an acute illness or an emergency in the future.

6. Screening for age and gender-specific conditions

Depending on your age, gender, and family history, an annual physical may include screenings and exams specific to your demographic group. For example, women may undergo breast cancer screening or cervical cancer screening, while men may receive prostate cancer screening or testicular exams.

Should children and teens have annual physicals?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents receive regular well-child visits, including physical examinations, as part of their routine healthcare.

These visits usually occur more frequently during the early years, once a month to several times a year, and then annually after age four. During a well-child visit, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, assess the child's growth and development, provide age-appropriate vaccinations, screen for potential health concerns, and guide healthy lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition, exercise, and safety.

Schedule a physical exam today by calling America First Urgent Care or requesting an appointment online.