Living a healthy lifestyle is a dream for everyone. Unfortunately, we experience some diseases that impact the quality of our lives. As a result, it is important to consider a regular checkup with your healthcare provider to ensure you have great health. Today, cases of annual physical Fullerton are becoming common as people are constantly looking for ways to mitigate diseases before they worsen. Going for examinations at least once yearly is integral as it allows a physician to detect early signs and symptoms of several severe complications. Below are important exams you should expect during annual physical exams.
Heart Exam
During the procedure, your healthcare practitioner can monitor your heart using a stethoscope to check for a heart murmur, abnormal heartbeat, or other hints of heart disease. Furthermore, your doctor may check your cholesterol, whereby the provider may suggest medications or lifestyle changes if you have high cholesterol levels. Heart examinations may also include an evaluation of blood sugar levels because high sugar levels increase the likelihood of heart disease and diabetes.
Dermatological Exam
Your skin is one of the body’s largest organs, which is also prone to several problems, such as skin cancer and eczema. During this examination, your physician may check for skin lesions and rashes impacting your face, pelvis, legs, hands, and scalp. Suppose you have visited your provider due to a change in a mole. In that case, your provider may need clarification on changes in texture, color, and size and if you have experienced any itching, pain, or tenderness.
Abdominal Exam
Your abdomen may also experience problems such as peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and gastroparesis; thus annual checkup is necessary. During the procedure, your physician can use a stethoscope to evaluate the liver size and incidence of abdominal fluid. If you have abdomen distension, you are more susceptible to cancer, tumor, constipation, pregnancy, or hepatomegaly. Sometimes you may be required to cough, and if you report increased intraabdominal pressure, your hernia may become more noticeable.
Neurological Exam
This exam is essential in inspecting your mental state, muscle strength, nerves, and reflexes. During the procedure, your doctor can utilize instruments like light and reflex hammers to monitor your nervous system. A comprehensive evaluation of your nervous system is essential to detect complications early. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam if you have headaches, trauma, and blurry vision. If undetected or untreated, a damaged nervous system can lead to problems affecting your ability to perform daily chores.
Lung Exam
Lung examinations consist of several tests responsible for evaluating how your lungs function. Spirometry is a basic test that measures the amount your lung can hold. The test also evaluates how vehemently you can empty air from your lungs. Alternatively, your doctor can apply a stethoscope to listen for wheezes, crackles, or reduced breath sounds. If the provider detects these sounds, they recommend treatment as you might have an underlying lung disease.
If you have an underlying condition, you will experience changes in your quality of life. As a result, performing activities to your full potential will be difficult. To detect these conditions early, you should consult a healthcare specialist at least once a year. Your doctor will examine your heart, lung, nervous system, abdomen, and skin. If you have signs of concern, the provider will recommend treatment, including injections, medications, or surgery to ensure you stay healthy.