Preventive Care 101: The Importance of Your Annual Wellness Exam

Many people think they only need to see a doctor when they get sick, but attending annual wellness exams can help prevent health problems from occurring. At these visits, your doctor can examine you to make sure you’re in good health, and you can address any health concerns you may have.

At Monarch Health Services, Inc., in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tiffany Jarrett, MD, and our team take your health seriously. And one way we help our patients stay healthy is by providing annual wellness exams. In this blog, we explain what happens at wellness exams and how they can help you.

The importance of your annual wellness exam

One of the most important reasons to schedule an annual wellness exam is to detect signs of a medical condition early enough to avoid complications. With many medical conditions, most people cannot recognize the early signs. Your doctor, however, can detect signs of a health issue. 

Furthermore, your doctor can look at trends — such as if your blood pressure is inching upward — and help protect you from any potential health issues before they happen. Your doctor can also provide any immunizations you may need. 

Wellness exams are also crucial because a variety of tests are needed at different ages. For example, health experts recommended that women ages 50-74 get a mammogram every 1-2 years. A mammogram is a test to detect breast cancer in its early stages. 

And, your provider can also discuss your lifestyle and discuss any habits you may need to change. For example, if you’re overweight, your provider can show you how to lose weight and keep it off. Or, if you smoke, your provider can discuss the problems with it and guide you on how to quit.

What to expect at your annual wellness exam 

Your annual wellness exam will be tailored to your specific needs, but parts of these exams are generally common to everyone. Here’s what you can expect at your annual wellness exam:

Check vitals 

First, your provider will likely check your vitals. This typically includes checking your blood pressure, pulse, and sometimes your sugar levels.

Physical examination 

Next up, your provider will physically examine certain body parts, such as your mouth, ears, breasts, and skin. These areas hold a wealth of information, and they can give insight into what’s happening inside your body. Your provider will also check your pulse and listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

Questions 

Next, your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions to get a better insight into your health. It’s essential to be open and honest with your doctor during this process. They’ll likely ask questions that deal with your lifestyle habits, your mental health, and anything else that may be relevant to your well-being.

If you want to stay as healthy as possible, attending annual wellness exams should be a priority. To learn more, call 561-510-7859 or book an appointment online with Monarch Health Services, Inc., today.