Annual Physical Specialist

What are physicals?

A physical is an essential component of preventive health, and these visits should play a role in everyone’s health care. Far too many men and women only see their doctor when they become ill or when symptoms arise. Taking a proactive approach is a far more effective way to ensure optimal health.

What happens during a physical?

The elements of your physical depend on the reason for the exam and whether there are specific components required by the requesting party. In addition to a routine health evaluation, various screenings are possible.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram, sometimes called an EKG or ECG, is a test that records your heart’s electrical activity. This screening tool is used to learn more about:

• Your heart rhythm
• Your heart rate
• Your blood flow
• Structural abnormalities in your heart muscle

An EKG can also help diagnose a heart attack if symptoms are present. The test is painless and noninvasive, and delivers fast results.

Bloodwork

Blood tests provide an in-depth look at how your body is functioning. The results can show how well your organs are performing and diagnose certain diseases like cancer, diabetes, or anemia. Screening can reveal how well your blood is clotting and whether you have risk factors for heart disease.

Blood testing can also help clarify how well your medications are working. You may find that a different drug therapy approach is a better fit for your needs, or that some of your symptoms are due to negative drug interactions. Adjustments can be made as needed.

TB testing

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s an airborne disease that primarily affects your lungs, but it can also cause problems with your spine, brain, and other organs. Tuberculosis spreads easily when an infected person fills the air with infected droplets by coughing or sneezing.

There are two ways to test for tuberculosis, a skin test and a blood test. If either screening reveals signs of TB, you’ll need additional testing to determine if you have latent or active TB.

These are just a few of the screening options that can be included in your physical.

What are the benefits of physicals?

Physical exams offer a number of benefits, including:

• Detecting medical issues in the early stages, when treatment is most effective
• Detecting signs of disease in time to make changes to prevent disease development
• Increasing lifespan and quality of life
• Reducing health care costs by avoiding expensive treatments
• Learning ways to enhance your health and wellness
• Lowering the risk of complications by monitoring existing conditions

The information gathered during physicals is used to create your personal medical record, an invaluable resource that can guide your care for the entirety of your life.

What types of physicals are available?

A basic physical consists of a discussion of your personal and family health history, a physical examination, and appropriate screening for your gender, age, and overall health. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions or express concerns you have about your health.

Sports physicals are often required before you or your child begin a new year of sports, and include an overall fitness evaluation and screening for any potential areas of concern. Employment or job physicals usually follow a predetermined list of health checks required by an employer.

If you need a physical, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dr. Humera online or over the phone.