If you feel healthy, it can be easy to put off going to the doctor.


Maybe nothing hurts. You are not sick. You have not noticed anything unusual. So, do you really need a physical?


For many adults, having a routine physical about once a year is a good way to stay on top of their health. However, there is not one schedule that is right for everyone. How often you should see your primary care provider depends on your age, health history, medications, risk factors, and any medical conditions you are managing. MedlinePlus recommends talking with your healthcare provider about how often you personally should have a checkup.


What Is the Purpose of a Physical?


A physical is not just an appointment for when something is wrong.


It gives you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to look at your overall health, discuss any changes you have noticed, and make sure you are keeping up with appropriate preventive care.


Depending on your age and health, a routine visit may include things such as:


  • Checking your blood pressure, weight, and other vital signs
  • Reviewing your medications
  • Discussing your personal and family medical history
  • Talking about sleep, diet, exercise, stress, and other lifestyle factors
  • Reviewing recommended vaccinations
  • Determining whether you are due for blood work or other testing
  • Discussing appropriate cancer screenings
  • Checking for risk factors for conditions such as diabetes or heart disease


Preventive care can help identify certain health problems before symptoms appear. Screening recommendations vary depending on factors such as your age, sex, medical history, and individual risks.


Do Healthy Adults Really Need Regular Checkups?


It is tempting to think, "I feel fine, so I must be fine."


Unfortunately, some common health problems do not cause obvious symptoms at first. High blood pressure is a good example. Changes in cholesterol or blood sugar may also develop without making you feel noticeably different.


Regular visits give your provider a chance to watch for changes over time instead of only seeing you when you are sick.


They are also a good opportunity to ask the questions that may not seem important enough to schedule a separate appointment for. Maybe you have been sleeping poorly, feeling more tired than usual, experiencing more stress, or noticing that your weight has changed. Those conversations can be an important part of your overall healthcare.


The CDC recommends staying current with preventive care, including appropriate medical checkups, screening tests, and vaccinations.


Is Once a Year Right for Everyone?


Not necessarily.


Some people may need to see their healthcare provider more frequently. Others may not need the same tests every year.


More frequent visits may be recommended if you:


  • Have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or another chronic condition
  • Take medications that require regular monitoring
  • Have several ongoing health concerns
  • Recently started or changed a medication
  • Have a strong family history of certain medical conditions
  • Have had abnormal test results that need follow-up
  • Develop new or changing symptoms


Your healthcare needs can also change as you get older, which is why staying connected with a primary care provider can be helpful even when you are feeling well.


What About Blood Work?


One question we hear frequently is whether everyone needs a full set of blood tests every year.


The answer depends on the individual.


Your provider may recommend certain tests based on your age, medical history, medications, previous results, and risk factors. Some screening tests are performed at specific intervals rather than automatically every year.


For example, recommendations for diabetes screening depend partly on age and risk factors, and other preventive screenings have their own recommended schedules.


Instead of focusing on getting as many tests as possible, the goal is to get the tests that make sense for you.


What Should You Bring to Your Physical?


You do not need to do much preparation, but a little planning can make your appointment more useful.


Before your visit, consider making a quick list of:


  • Medications, vitamins, and supplements you take
  • Changes in your health since your last appointment
  • Questions you want to ask
  • New medical problems in your immediate family
  • Recent visits with specialists
  • Vaccines or screenings you think you may have received elsewhere


MedlinePlus also recommends reviewing your family health history and thinking about questions, medications, screenings, and vaccinations before your checkup.


And do not feel like your questions have to be "serious enough" to mention. If something about your health has been bothering you, bring it up.


Don't Wait for Your Physical if Something Feels Wrong


A routine physical is preventive care. It should not replace an appointment for a new medical concern.


If you develop a new symptom or notice a significant change in your health, contact your healthcare provider rather than waiting several months for your next physical.


The same applies if you have questions about a medication, abnormal home blood pressure readings, persistent pain, changes in your blood sugar, or another concern that needs attention.


So, When Was Your Last Physical?


If you cannot remember, it may be a good time to schedule one.


Regular primary care visits give you a chance to understand where your health stands today and what you can do to protect it in the years ahead. Even when everything looks good, that is useful information to have.


At Addison Medical, we believe primary care should include more than treating you when you are sick. Preventive care and regular conversations with your healthcare provider are an important part of maintaining your overall health.


If it has been a while since your last physical, contact Addison Medical to schedule an appointment.


This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider. Your provider can recommend a preventive care schedule based on your individual health needs.


Serving Melbourne, FL, we offer annual physicals and wellness exams for patients of all ages. Call us at 321-225-6767 or contact us online. We are located at 8795 Ivanhoe Dr, Ste 101, Melbourne, FL 32940 and are accepting new patients.