How important is it to get a yearly physical?
A yearly physical and wellness exam is important for a variety of reasons. From preventative care to the early detection of serious health concerns, yearly physicals allow your healthcare provider to address your questions and concerns while helping you reach your personal health and wellness goals. There are many advantages of receiving a yearly wellness exam or physical, including:
1. Detecting Concerns Early
Many chronic and acute illnesses will have less severe side effects and consequences on your long-term health and wellness if detected early. Routine lab-work and wellness exams offer your healthcare provider an opportunity to review your micronutrient levels, hormone levels, and more.
READ MORE: What Your Hormone Levels Indicate
The results can indicate any number of health concerns which may not be detected otherwise, and it also offers the advantage of helping him or her rule out other serious concerns which could be causing your symptoms.
2. Preventative Care
If you already have health concerns or a chronic condition, routine checkups and wellness exams are essential. At Riverside Village Clinic in Nashville, we see many patients who live with chronic conditions needing routine checkups, including:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- COPD
- Severe Allergies
- Asthma
- Digestive Concerns
- Osteoporosis
For some of our patients, visits to a specialist may be recommended in conjunction with annual wellness exams. For example, we recommend our type 1 diabetic patients also visit an endocrinologist for routine checkups as well. Whether a health concern is one that can be diagnosed and monitored through our office or a visit to a specialist is recommended, we work to ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive care possible through in-house treatment and referrals as needed.
3. Vaccinations
In addition to routine health vaccinations which may be required by schools and workplaces, Riverside Village Clinic of Nashville also offers vaccinations for patients who are leaving the country or those who are in need of a tetanus vaccine (Tdap) following an injury.
What vaccines do I need if I’m leaving the country?
Planning an exciting vacation overseas? Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the necessary vaccines you’ll need before leaving the country. Depending on the country or countries you intend to visit, the number of vaccines you will need may vary.
Types of Vaccines to Get if Traveling Overseas
Some countries require visitors to have specific vaccines before entering, while it’s also recommended U.S. citizens traveling out of the country and returning in the near future be vaccinated to protect others from potentially fatal health concerns. The vaccines we typically recommend those traveling out of the country receive are intended to prevent a number of diseases and illnesses, including:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid Fever
- Paratyphoid Fever
- Yellow Fever
- Rabies
- Encephalitis
- Polio
- Shingles
- Whooping Cough
- Tetanus
- Meningitis
There are also specific vaccine stipulations and recommendations for military personnel and healthcare workers traveling to various parts of the world. Pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions, and others with weakened or sensitive immune systems may also be advised to consider additional vaccines when traveling overseas. You can learn more about which vaccines you’ll need on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
As a provider of sexual health services, Riverside Village Clinic of Nashville also recommends women receive the HPV vaccine which has been shown to decrease a woman’s risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancer. The HPV vaccine is administered in 2-3 doses over the course of several months for both women and men.
4. Tracking Your Health Progress
Fitbits and health tracking technology is all the rage, and for good reason. It’s fun and encouraging to track your health goals and see your progress. From weight loss to strength building, tracking your health allows you to see how much your hard work is paying off. Your internal health is no different.
Tracking the progress of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other factors is essential for understanding your chances of developing serious health concerns. If your health is decreasing, your health and wellness provider can offer recommendations you can implement. He or she may also prescribe supplements or medications which can help you in your journey to becoming a healthy, happy you.
READ MORE: 8 Vitamins and Supplements to Help Manage Your Stress →
5. Being Proactive About Your Health
At Riverside Village Clinic, we’re here to help you on your wellness journey in any way we can, whether it’s prescribing medications and supplements, working with you to create health goals, or offering an ear when you have questions or concerns about your health.
That said, it’s important for individuals to be proactive about their health in order to make the most of the wellness journey. Tracking progress, creating and sticking to health goals, and understanding your body is very much an individual process, but we’re here to help you along the way!
At your annual wellness exam, you and your healthcare provider should discuss plans to adapt or change goals, add or remove medications or supplements from your routine, and more. As a holistic healthcare clinic, providers at Riverside Village Clinic in Nashville also offer a variety of ways to help you live your best life. Interested in meeting our team? Schedule an appointment today!
3 Ways to Prepare for Your Yearly Physical in Nashville
There are a few ways to prepare in advance to make the most of your annual wellness exam. Here’s what we recommend our patients keep in mind when their physical is approaching.
1. Come with Questions and Concerns
Have questions and concerns? Don’t be afraid to voice them, and by all means, don’t rely on WebMD for support. In addition to giving you health anxiety, Googling your symptoms can’t provide an accurate representation of your overall health because it doesn’t account for vitamin and hormone deficiencies, family history, and more.
Your healthcare provider, however, can use all of these factors in addition to the results of your lab-work to create a comprehensive healthcare plan which works for your individual needs. If you’re experiencing new symptoms, or an increase in previous symptoms, be sure to mention this to your provider as well.
2. Bring a List of Vitamins, Supplements, and Medications
In order to address your health concerns and to be able to provide a comprehensive treatment plan, it’s beneficial for patients to bring along a list of vitamins, supplements, and medications currently used as well as the dosage and number of doses taken daily. Your healthcare provider may be able to detect a connection between a specific medication, or lack of one, and your current symptoms.
3. Bring Additional Info as Needed
If you have seen a specialist since your last visit, or if you track specific health goals via an app or other technology, this may also be beneficial for your healthcare provider to review. We love when patients are proactive about their health and are excited to find new ways to become a healthier version of themselves, so feel free to bring additional information which can help us serve you on your health and wellness journey!
Schedule Your Health & Wellness Exam in Nashville
Are you a current patient of Riverside Village Clinic or looking for a new provider? Schedule an appointment today to meet with one of our providers to address your questions and concerns, evaluate your micronutrient levels, and more. Schedule an appointment today! We can’t wait to meet you.
