Why Physical Exams are Important to Your Health
Your primary care doctor wants to make sure you are as healthy as possible and that you’re getting the treatment you need for any specific conditions you may be dealing with. The best way to make sure these conditions are being identified and treated is by staying consistent with your annual physical.
During a physical exam your primary care doctor will check various aspects of your body and systems to ensure that everything is functioning as expected. They’ll check your vital signs and the general appearance of how your skin looks. Your doctor will also use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs and ensure that your heartbeat is regular, and your lungs are clear.
Your ears, nose, sinuses, lymph nodes, thyroid, and throat will also be examined. Your doctor will make sure there’s no inflammation or swelling in any of these areas. Last, they’ll check your abdomen to make sure there is no tenderness in that area and that there’s no swelling in your liver. You may also need to have a blood test or urinalysis done to make sure nothing is going unchecked.