Three Things To Discuss With Your Doctor During Your Annual Physical
Your annual physical is a chance for your doctor to monitor your health and help you to determine if you need to change your medications, lifestyle or course of medical treatment. Your doctor can only help to diagnose symptoms that you discuss, so you'll want to make sure you discuss any and all concerns you might have during this visit. Here are a few things to discuss with your doctor at your next physical to get the right level of care for your medical conditions.
Changes In Lifestyle
Whether you have started a diet or taken up a new sport, letting your primary care physician know about any significant lifestyle changes can be a benefit. Your doctor can help you to make sure the changes you have made will have a positive impact on your health. For example, if you have started a diet to lose weight, your physician can make recommendations about vitamin and dietary supplements you can take to ensure you are getting the right nutrients. You should also discuss any lifestyle changes you wish to make, such as quitting smoking, as your doctor may be able to prescribe smoking cessation medication to assist you in reaching your goal.
Family Medical History
While you may be healthy now, you may have concerns about your family's medical history and how it may impact your health. Many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, asthma, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, can run in a person's family. This means that having a family history of the diseases may mean you are more likely to develop them as well. Discussing your family history thoroughly can help your primary care physician determine which type of tests should be performed at your annual physical to determine your current health status.
Any Changes In Your Daily Health
Even small changes, such as difficulty sleeping or frequent headaches, are important for you to share with your doctor. While some problems may seem small at first, they may be indicative of a larger problem. Talk to your doctor about any changes in your health you have noticed so you can work together to determine what, if any, action is needed. In addition to physical changes, you should talk to your doctor about any emotional changes you may be experiencing, as your doctor may be able to determine if you are exhibiting symptoms of depression or another mental health disorder.
The more information your primary care physician has, the easier it will be to diagnose any conditions you have. If you are uncomfortable talking to your doctor about any of these things, consider writing out a list of concerns you can share at the appointment. Be sure to ask any questions you may have during the appointment so you can understand your test results and the results of the physical examination. This will help you to better understand your current medical condition and any treatments you may need in the future.
Contact a group like Choice Medical Group for more information.