What is an annual wellness check?
The best way to stay healthy is to stay ahead of disease and sickness. Preventative care helps everyone in your family to address issues before they become bigger problems. As an adult, your health is in your own hands. You may think that you’re young and healthy – but you’re not invincible. At some point you will get sick or injured and will need a primary care provider who knows you and understands your medical history to guide you through healthcare decisions.
What should you expect during an annual wellness check?
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider creates continuity of care, meaning you have someone else watching out for your health. Like your home, car, or bike, your body needs regular checks and maintenance to stay in peak condition. During annual wellness checks, your provider will check things like:
- Height
- Weight
- Heart Rate
- Blood Pressure
- Questions About Family History
- Diet
- Exercise
- Prescriptions
- Alcohol/Tobacco Use
- Lifestyle Habits
While the annual check-up is the most common practice, your provider may want to see you more (or less) often, depending on your health. Changes are your visit won’t always include a comprehensive physical exam. Instead, you’ll check in with your doctor and update them on any changes in your health. They may run preventative tests based on your answers and age.
Regular check-ups with your primary care provider help significantly in maintaining your health. Infrequent visits make it harder for both of you to remember symptoms started or if a health event in the past is playing a role in your current situation.
The Iowa Clinic features over 30 primary care physicians ready to help you take control of your health. You can schedule online or call 515.875.9000 to schedule.