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Resolve to Be Healthy This Year -- Schedule Your Annual Checkup Today!

Jan 1, 2016

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Now that the confetti has been cleared away, millions of Americans have set New Year’s resolutions for themselves. Maintaining a healthier lifestyle tops the list of most popular resolutions. However, being healthy involves more than just diet changes and exercise. Scheduling your annual checkup at our Long Island medical center is one of the most powerful ways to take charge of your health.

Do You Need an Annual Checkup?

Many patients mistakenly believe that they do not need an annual physical. Most often, they think, “I feel just fine and I don’t have any major problems, so why should I go to the doctor?” Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to get a wellness check that can detect diseases or prevent future problems. Doctors often notice early warning signs of disease that patients miss and are critical for early diagnosis and intervention.

In general, most adults should visit the doctor once per year. The annual physical is an opportunity to touch base with your doctor, identify any problematic symptoms, and receive information about your health. Plus, the Affordable Care Act allows most people to receive preventative care at no out-of-pocket cost.

What to Expect From Your Annual Checkup

The annual physical is an opportunity for your Peconic Bay Medical Center doctor to review your health history and make recommendations to keep you healthy. It is a great way to manage chronic medical conditions as well as to prevent future health problems. Typically, an annual checkup includes:

  • Assessment of family history. Family history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other chronic conditions may increase your own risk. Your doctor can review your family history and make recommendations to manage your risk of chronic disease.
  • Medication management. People taking prescription medications should check in with their doctor to ensure the medication remains the most appropriate treatment for their condition.
  • Vital signs. Abnormal body mass index, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate can be signs of disease. Monitoring vital signs over time allows your doctor to notice when something is off.
  • Heart exam. By listening to your heart, your doctor gets important information about heart murmur or abnormalities that may indicate heart disease.
  • Reproductive health. Men and women should have an annual physical to check the health of their reproductive organs. This is particularly important for all individuals, regardless of sexual activity or reproductive status.

An annual physical is an easy thing to check off your New Year’s to-do list. Schedule your appointment today to kick off a healthier 2016.