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An annual physical exam is a yearly checkup of your overall health. During the visit, a doctor checks your vital signs and reviews your medical history. The doctor then does a head-to-toe medical physical exam and may order blood tests. For older adults, this once-a-year visit is one of the best ways to catch problems early.
Many people in Pasadena look for a general check up doctor who knows their history and takes the time to listen. Dr. Cleo T. Williams offers personalized primary and preventive care for adults of every age in Pasadena, with office visits, telehealth, and home visits. Scheduling a yearly physical is a simple step toward staying healthy and independent.
What Is an Annual Physical Exam?
Why a Yearly Checkup Matters for Seniors
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Before a physical exam, it helps to bring:
- A list of all medicines and supplements, and any that need a refill
- A list of allergies and any past surgeries or major illnesses
- Any home readings, such as blood pressure or blood sugar numbers
- Results from recent lab work or tests from other doctors
- A written list of questions or concerns to discuss
If the doctor plans to order certain blood tests, a person may be asked to fast. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything but water for several hours. It is always smart to ask ahead of time whether fasting is needed. It also helps to wear loose, comfortable clothing and to arrive a few minutes early. That extra time makes it easier to fill out forms and relax before the exam begins.
What Happens During the Physical Exam
Checking Vital Signs and History
The Head-to-Toe Exam
- Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Looking into the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth
- Gently feeling the neck and lymph nodes for swelling
- Pressing on the abdomen to check the organs
- Looking at the skin for any new moles or rashes
- Checking the feet, reflexes, and overall movement
A full physical exam usually takes about 30 minutes. The doctor may also give any needed vaccines and, depending on age and health, may suggest screenings or a referral to a specialist.
Blood Tests and Lab Work
Common Blood Tests at a Physical
- Complete blood count (CBC), which checks the blood cells
- Blood glucose test, which screens for diabetes
- Lipid panel, which measures cholesterol
- Metabolic panel, which checks kidney and liver function and electrolytes
What a Complete Blood Count Shows
After the Exam: Results and Next Steps
If something looks off, the doctor may suggest more testing, a follow-up visit, or a referral to a specialist. It is important to remember that an abnormal blood test result does not always mean there is a serious problem. Diet, activity, and even how much water a person drank can affect the numbers. Because of this, the doctor reads the results together with the full picture of a person’s health. If anything is unclear, it is always fine to ask the doctor to explain a result in plain words. Writing down the plan before leaving the visit also helps a person remember the next steps.
How Often Should Older Adults Get a Physical?
Some seniors with ongoing health needs may come in more than once a year. The doctor will say what is right for each person. Between visits, it helps to track a few simple numbers at home, like blood pressure and weight. Bringing these numbers to the next annual check up gives the doctor a fuller picture.
Making the Most of Your Annual Physical in Pasadena
For older adults in Pasadena, getting to a clinic is not always easy. Dr. Cleo T. Williams offers office visits, telehealth, and home visits, so a yearly checkup can fit a person’s needs and comfort. A general check up with a caring doctor is one of the strongest ways to protect long-term health, and it starts with booking that once-a-year visit.
Questions Worth Asking
- Are my blood pressure and weight in a healthy range?
- Do my blood tests show anything I should watch?
- Are all my medicines still right for me?
- Which vaccines or screenings do I need this year?
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect during a yearly physical exam?
A yearly physical exam usually starts with height, weight, and vital signs like blood pressure and pulse. The doctor then reviews your history and medicines and does a head-to-toe exam of your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and more. Many visits also include blood tests, and the whole exam takes about 30 minutes.
What is included in a physical exam?
A physical exam includes a check of your vital signs, a review of your medical history, and a hands-on exam of your major organ systems. The doctor listens to your heart and lungs, looks in your ears and mouth, feels your abdomen and lymph nodes, and checks your skin. Vaccines and lab tests may be part of the visit too.
What is covered under an annual health checkup?
An annual checkup covers your overall health, from vital signs and a physical exam to a review of your medicines, habits, and any symptoms. The doctor may update vaccines, suggest screenings based on your age, and order blood work. It is also a chance to talk about diet, sleep, and ways to prevent disease.
What blood tests should be done for an annual physical?
Common blood tests at an annual physical include a complete blood count, a blood glucose test for diabetes, a lipid panel for cholesterol, and a metabolic panel for kidney and liver function. The exact tests depend on your age, health, and risk factors. Your doctor will choose the ones that fit your needs.
Does dementia show up in a blood test?
A routine blood test does not diagnose dementia, but it can rule out other causes of memory problems, such as a thyroid issue or a vitamin deficiency. Newer blood tests for dementia are being developed, but they are not yet part of a standard physical. If memory is a concern, talk with your doctor about the right next steps.
What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms at all, which is why it is called a silent risk. Most people learn they have it only from a blood test. This is why regular cholesterol screening is so important for older adults.
