Annual Physicals

An annual physical is one of the most effective steps you can take to preserve your health. The primary care team at Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, in Fishkill, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie, and Wappinger Falls, New York, encourages patients to schedule physical exams each year to protect and maintain wellness. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about annual physicals.

What are annual physicals?

Annual physicals are yearly health screenings you schedule with your medical provider to assess your health and fitness. Physical exams provide vital information about your health that the team at Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, adds to your medical history. Each year, the team refers to the previous exam’s results to identify changes to your health.

What happens during annual physicals?

The team checks your height and weight when you arrive for an annual physical. They also record your vitals, which include blood pressure, temperature, and respiration rate. 

An annual physical usually consists of two equally important parts: the medical history review and the physical exam. 

Medical history review

Reviewing your medical history helps the team become familiar with your health. They may ask you questions to add to your history. These questions typically revolve around your:

• Lifestyle habits
• Diet
• Activity level
• Alcohol consumption
• Drug use
• Sexual health
• Mental health

Finally, the team reviews your prescriptions and any supplements you currently take. They may update your medication list to keep your medical history current.

Physical exam

The physical exam is a head-to-toe checkup that begins with a visual assessment. Next, the team looks inside your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They listen to your heart and lungs, and then palpate your abdomen. This step checks for the correct organ placement and size. Before you leave, the team tests your reflexes.

Both parts of a physical exam help your health care team track and monitor your overall health.

How often should I schedule annual physicals?

The frequency of your physical exams is a decision you and your health care team make together. While standard recommendations encourage patients to schedule physicals once a year, that’s not always the case for all patients. 

Some individuals have underlying health concerns that may warrant more frequent visits, while others may be in good health and only need comprehensive exams once every two years. 

The team works with you to set an individualized physical exam schedule that protects your health as you age.

Call Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about annual physicals.