It may be that time of year again when you prepare for your wellness exam. A wellness exam, also known as a preventive health visit, is a comprehensive check-up designed to assess your current state and identify potential health risks.
Why Should I Ask My Family Doctor Questions During A Wellness Exam?
During a wellness exam, it is essential to ask questions that will give your doctor a comprehensive understanding of your health and your lifestyle. If you visit your doctor, prepared with the right questions, this will result in you getting a more streamlined examination that addresses all of your medical concerns.
Here is a guideline for questions you should ask your family doctor:
1. What Are The Recommended Screening Tests For My Age And Health?
The recommended screening tests vary depending on several factors such as age, gender, health history, family history, and lifestyle habits. Your individual screening needs may vary based on your personal health history and risk factors, therefore it is always best to discuss your specific screening schedule with your doctor.
2. Are There Any Lifestyle Changes I Can Make To Improve My Overall Health?
Your doctor will address your stress levels and suggest strategies to alleviate the impact of stress on your body.
In order to maintain good health, getting enough sleep is crucial, and your doctor will work with you to find ways to improve the quality of your sleep, especially if it is an area of concern.
Your doctor may also touch upon your diet, exercise routine, and alcohol intake.
3. What Are My Current Blood Pressure And Blood Sugar Levels?
If your blood pressure or sugar levels are not significantly high or low, your doctor may not tell you the exact number unless you ask. However, if you want to track your blood pressure or sugar levels due to family or medical history, it’s always helpful to know the exact number.
4. Is My Thyroid Healthy?
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating the body’s functions. It governs every cell in the body, and hence, a well-functioning thyroid is crucial for overall well-being. Your doctor will evaluate the health of your thyroid by testing your T3, T4, and TSH levels. If the levels are not within the normal range, your doctor may prescribe medication to restore the optimal functioning of your thyroid gland.
5. How Is My Heart, Doc?
During a wellness exam, a doctor will check your heart in several ways to assess its health. One common method is a physical exam, which involves the doctor using a stethoscope to listen to your heart sounds. They will listen for any abnormal sounds or rhythms, such as murmurs, irregular beats, or gallops, which may indicate underlying problems.
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may also recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. This non-invasive test involves placing electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs, which record the electrical impulses that regulate your heart’s rhythm.
Depending on your medical history and risk factors, your doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as a stress test, echocardiogram, or cardiac CT scan, to evaluate the overall health of your heart. These tests can provide more detailed information about the structure of your heart and help diagnose any underlying heart conditions.
6. Should I Be Taking Any Vitamins?
A balanced and varied diet is the best way to get the necessary vitamins and minerals, but some may need supplements, like those with certain medical conditions or restrictive diets. Taking an excessive amount of vitamins, or the wrong kind of vitamin can be harmful, therefore it is essential to chat with your doctor who will recommend vitamin supplements based on your unique needs and health status.
7. Do I Still Need To Take My Medications?
At times, the medication you’re taking may become unnecessary, as it may only treat symptoms that can go away or change over time without the medication’s help. Your doctor can reassess your medications based on any new test results and adjust them accordingly.
8. Are There Any Red Flags In My Family Health History?
During a medical examination, your doctor will inquire about your family’s medical history, prior illnesses or surgeries, and any present symptoms or health worries. Although doctors ask about your family’s past illnesses, your family’s medical history may have altered since your last appointment. Inform your doctor about recent health issues among your family members and ask if the new information places you at risk for any conditions.
9. Should I Be Worried About This?
Discussing some medical concerns like constipation, libido, or menopausal issues can be embarrassing. However, your doctor is the best person to provide you with proper guidance on how to address your concerns, so don’t be afraid to bring up any issues you may have. What happens in the consulting room, stays in the consulting room.
10. How Is My Weight?
Although weight can be a sensitive topic, it can significantly impact your health. It’s crucial to have an open and non-judgmental conversation with your doctor if you’re pushing the boundaries in either direction and discuss how you can achieve optimal health.
11. Should I Be Having Any Additional Annual Screenings?
As we age, it’s essential to be proactive about our health. To stay ahead, consider asking your doctor if earlier annual screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, may be necessary based on your family and medical history.
To Sum It Up
A Wellness Exam is an essential investment in your health that can aid in identifying potential health risks early, promote good health, and offer peace of mind.
By asking the right questions and having open communication with your Primary Care Doctor, you can ensure that your Wellness Exam is thorough and tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a trusted Family Doctor to help you with your wellness needs, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center. He and his team are dedicated to providing personalized care that helps you achieve optimal health.
Located at 1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 303, Ashland, KY 41101, Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center offers services to patients residing in and around Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Cannonsburg, Union, Huntington, Westmoreland, Proctorville, East Pea Ridge, and Barboursville.
