How does an annual exam protect your health?
Annual exams focus on your general health now and preventing problems in the future. When you schedule yearly exams, your provider can find signs of health problems at an early stage, while you still have time to prevent disease.
Conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease can all be prevented when they’re caught early. But once you’re diagnosed with the condition, there’s no cure, so you have the disease for the rest of your life.
What should I expect during my annual exam?
Your annual exam begins with the basics. Your provider checks your weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. They also review any health problems you may have had since your last exam.
Then your provider performs a thorough physical exam, including listening to your heart and lungs. They may draw your blood for tests, depending on your health and the results of your exam.
As family care providers, the team at Desoto Family Care Clinic offers a wide range of health services. An annual exam could include any of the following services:
- Women’s health (pelvic exam, Pap smear)
- Men’s health (testicular exam, prostate cancer screening)
- Birth control
- Menopause management
- STD testing and treatment
- Screening for chronic health conditions
- Medication management
- Immunizations
- Vision and hearing screening
- Weight loss management
- Mental health care
During an annual exam, you have time to ask questions and talk with your provider about any health concerns you may have.
Do annual exams include well-child care?
Desoto Family Care Clinic offers well-child care when children are old enough to schedule annual checkups. Well-child visits begin in the first week after your baby is born and continue with frequent checkups through their first 2-3 years.
Starting at the age of 3 or 4, children only need annual well-child exams. During annual exams, your provider tracks your child’s growth, weight, vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse, and general health.
They also do development assessments and administer immunizations. Your provider is available to help with any concerns you may have whether they involve your child’s sleeping or eating habits or other problems.
If it’s time to schedule an annual exam, call Desoto Family Care Clinic or book an appointment online today.
