Parents take their kids to see the pediatrician annually for growth checks, physicals, and vaccinations but, once people reach adulthood, the recipe changes a little. While it may be easy to let annual wellness visits lapse because school, work, and family make for a busy life, a regular check-in with your primary care provider can keep you healthy and thriving. It’s worth scheduling an annual wellness visit at every age.
The Focus of an Annual Wellness Visit
Annual wellness visits are different from a routine physical exam or diagnostic testing. These appointments are designed to look at overall health and prevention strategies. This is the time to discuss:
- Lifestyle habits. What are your eating and exercise habits? Do you exhibit certain behavioral risks?
- Health risks. Are you at risk of serious conditions like heart disease or certain types of cancers because of family history?
- Wellness priorities. If you have multiple health concerns or conditions, do you need help prioritizing care and maintenance?
What to Expect During an Annual Wellness Visit
Annual wellness visits are a conversation, a dialogue between patient and doctor, so the full scope of your health and well-being is addressed. This is the time to plan and prevent. The appointment typically covers:
- Behaviors that increase risk of health conditions or problems.
- Complete medical and family history, including potential for inherited or chronic conditions.
- Measurements of height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
- Evaluation of all medications and supplements or vitamins.
- Recommendations for preventive screenings, vaccinations, bloodwork, and tests.
- Cognitive assessments for seniors or those at risk of dementia.
- Evaluation of seniors and their daily activities and fall risks.
Assess Health Risks
Your risks of developing certain cancers, autoimmune conditions, or other health problems increase depending on what health hurdles you have experienced already and what parents or siblings have gone through. Your doctor looks at your entire well-being as a whole – from the inside out – to identify obvious health risks and conduct testing or evaluations for hidden risks.
Create a Personalized Prevention Plan
When you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or pressed for time, an annual wellness visit lets your doctor see what’s happening with your weight, mental health, and well-being and suggest lifestyle tweaks. Walking more steps, adding weight training to your fitness routine, or revamping meal planning all contribute to a healthier you. The goal is to find a methodology that works for your preferences and limitations.
Schedule an Annual Wellness Visit with Dr. Jon Swetech
Ultimately, the goal of annual wellness visits is to assess your health right now and work to predict and prevent health risks for the future. The more often you see your doctor, the better you will get to know each other and the stronger your relationship and trust will be.
It is my honor to serve as a the go-to physician for my patients’ health needs and planning, so that you can feel your best every day and do all that you can to honor your wellness and live a long, happy life. Contact me, Dr. Jon Swetech, to schedule an annual wellness visit at Swetech Medical Center. Let’s talk about your good health.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
