Cardiovascular disease and cancer continue to be the leading killers of men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with diabetes and stroke claiming the lives of millions. Treatment and prevention are both possible in many of these cases. With Fresno annual physicals, you can prevent several of these issues.
During an annual physical exam, you may detect many of the illnesses listed in the most recent CDC report. As a result, if you complete your homework before your exam, your doctor will have a better idea of how you are feeling right now. You may prepare for your annual physical by following these six suggestions:
Schedule an appointment
Get your annual physical from your primary care provider first. Your health insurance company may offer you a list of providers in your region if you do not already have a PCP or primary care physician.
Fast
Avoid eating for at least two hours before the test to prevent spikes in blood sugar and blood pressure. Make an effort to arrange your test for the early morning hours so that you can fast the night before.
Organize your medical records
Before your test, you will usually be required to provide an up-to-date copy of your medical history on paper. Before your consultation, evaluate your personal and your family’s medical histories. It is crucial to tell family members about any diseases or conditions in your lineage, such as cancer or heart disease. For new doctors, ensure you get your medical records sent from your former primary care physician’s office well before your appointment. Preparation for the future is much easier when you know what has previously been done to meet your needs.
Have a list of medications
Make a list of all the drugs you now use (including herbal supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.) You will also need to note any additional doctors or experts who have prescribed medicine for you.
At the outset of your appointment, be clear about your expectations
You will get more out of your visit with the doctor if you have planned and communicated your top goals. Make it a point at the beginning of the session if you are trying to lose weight, if you want to reduce your risk of heart attacks—rather than saying, “Oh, by the way.”
Bring a current immunization record with you
Your overall health depends on your current list of immunizations, so be sure to bring it with you when you visit the doctor.
If you want to ensure that your doctor has the information they need to make educated choices regarding your health, it is essential to prepare for your physical in advance. A complete list of your current and past prescription and over-the-counter drugs, allergies, and herbal supplements should be available for your doctor. This includes any internal devices such as pacemakers or neural stimulators that you may have. Your annual physical is an excellent opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have about your health.
