Want to know exactly about your health? Everything about a full body physical examination!

We all want to be healthy, right? Sometimes, it would be nice to know how our body is doing before we have to wait until we get sick. That's why we get a "physical examination" or a full body checkup. It's like a "service" to our bodies.

What exactly is a "Physical Examination"?

Simply put, this is a check-up of your overall health . This is usually done by your family doctor or a doctor you visit regularly. The main thing here is to look at what health problems you have now, what your chances of developing diseases in the future are, and what else you can do to stay healthy. This is mostly done as a form of preventive care .

Imagine, if you have some minor problem, or the doctor has some doubts, he can refer you to a specialist or do further tests. The important thing is, you don't have to be sick to have this kind of test. You can also do this just to know your health status.

This is called something else, you may have heard of it:

• "Wellness Check"
• "Checkup"
• "Annual Physical Exam"
• "Routine Physical Exam"
• "Pre-employment Physical Exam" is done when applying for some jobs.

Why is this kind of testing important to us?

Okay, now let's see why this "physical exam" is so important.

• Know your general health status: You can get an accurate idea of ​​what's going on inside your body.
• Get advice on staying healthy: Your doctor will tell you what you can do to maintain good health or improve your current condition.
• Detect hidden diseases: There are some diseases that do not show major symptoms in the early stages. This will help you identify such things early. You can also talk about the symptoms you are having.
• Get Vaccines: If you have any vaccines you need, you can get them at this time as well.
• Ask questions and learn: This is a great opportunity to ask and get answers to any questions you may have about your health.
• Verify eligibility for a job or sport: Some jobs or sports require a physical exam before you can participate in them. This is to see if you are physically fit for the job or sport.

How often should I do this?

Most doctors recommend getting a full body checkup at least once a year . However, this may vary depending on your age, family history, and any other health issues you may have. It's best to discuss this with your doctor.

What is the difference between a "Sports Physical" and a regular annual checkup?

This is a question that many people ask. A "sports physical" is also a physical exam. However, it mainly focuses on whether you are healthy and strong enough to participate in sports. Some of the same things are done during a regular annual checkup, but it specifically looks at:

• Your height and weight.
• Eyesight and hearing.
• Muscle and bone health.

Sometimes your flexibility and strength are also tested during this "sports physical." Those things aren't usually looked at in as much depth during an annual checkup.

How do I prepare before going for the test? What should I bring?

If you prepare these things before going for a physical exam, it will be a great convenience for both you and the doctor .

• Write down all the medications and supplements you are currently taking , including the exact dosage. If you are about to run out of medication, tell your doctor .
• Allergies you have: Anything to medications, foods, etc.
• Details about your symptoms: what they are, when they have been present, how long they have been present, and whether they get worse/worse when you do anything.
• Previous test results (reports) and lab reports: If you have any, bring those too.
• Measurements that your doctor has asked you to record: For example, blood pressure or blood sugar.
• Your medical and surgical history: Things like previous illnesses, surgeries, and treatments.
• Questions you should ask the doctor: If you write these down in advance, you won't forget them.
• If there are other doctors or specialists you are seeing for treatment, their names, addresses, and phone numbers: If you wish, you can also ask them to send the report of this test to you.

Important: If you are going for a "sports physical" or a pre-employment checkup, don't forget to bring the forms provided by your coach or company. The doctor will have to sign them.

What happens during the test?

Okay, now let's see what happens when you go to see the doctor.

Before seeing the doctor

Before you see the doctor, a nurse or physician assistant will usually ask you these things:

• Your height and weight are measured.
• Your "vital signs" are checked. That means things like body temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
• You will be asked about your medical history and your family medical history.
• Ask about the medications and nutritional supplements you are currently taking.
• You can also ask about your social environment, such as how things like smoking and drug use affect your health.
• Sometimes you may also want to discuss your medical care preferences. For example, a "DNR" (Do-Not-Resuscitate) status or a "Living Will."
• You will also talk about any personal health problems or symptoms you may have.

When talking to the doctor

Then, when you see the doctor, he or she will first ask you how you are feeling, if you have any problems, issues, or anything else you would like to know about your health. If you are getting this test for a sport or job, you should tell the doctor first so he or she can fill out the appropriate paperwork.

If you have any pain or discomfort, the doctor will ask for more details about it. For example:

• Are you feeling unusually uncomfortable?
• Where is that pain/discomfort?
• How does the pain feel? Is it dull, burning, pressing, or sharp, like a knife?
• If you were asked to rate it from 1 to 10 (10 being the worst pain), how much would you give it?
• How long has the pain been there? Does it come and go? Is it constant?
• Have you noticed that this discomfort increases due to something? (e.g. after eating, after exercising, at night)
• What can help relieve this discomfort? (e.g., rest, take medication, change position)

How the doctor examines you (physical examination)

This is where the doctor examines your body. Here, the doctor focuses on each organ system in your body. There are several main methods the doctor uses for this:

• "Auscultation": This means listening to sounds coming from inside your body (such as heart sounds and lung sounds) using an instrument like a stethoscope.
• "Inspection": This means examining your body with the doctor's eyes.
• "Palpation": This is when the doctor uses his fingers or hands to touch and squeeze different parts of your body.
• "Percussion": This means that the doctor gently taps on specific areas of your body and tries to understand something from the sound it makes.

Using these methods, the doctor will usually do the following:

• Your heart and lungs will be listened to with a stethoscope. Here, the doctor will tell you to breathe normally or take deep breaths.
• An instrument called an "otoscope" looks inside your ear.
• They will use a tongue depressor and a light to look inside your mouth. They may also ask you to make an "ah..." sound.
• They will feel the lymph nodes in your neck to see if they are swollen.
• Your abdomen will be palpated to check the position and size of your internal organs. You may be asked to lie down at this time.
• Your skin will be examined. They will look for new spots, bumps, rashes, etc. If you have any of these, tell your doctor .
• Depending on your age and physical condition, a breast and pelvic exam may be performed if you are a woman. A genital and prostate exam may be performed if you are a man.
• If you have any vaccinations or immunizations that you need, they can also be given at this time.

Remember, the way this test is done may vary slightly depending on your age, the reason you're having the test, etc. If you have a specific problem, the doctor will focus more on the part of the body that has the problem.

How long does this test take?

A full body examination usually takes about 30 minutes , but this time may vary depending on what you have to talk about and what the doctor has to examine.

What to expect after the test?

After the test is over, you can go about your normal activities. The doctor will tell you the results of the test. If you took the forms to work or play, they will be signed.

Sometimes, if your doctor has any areas of concern , he or she will tell you about them. If so, you may be referred to a specialist. Or, they may order additional tests to find the exact cause of your symptoms.

What are the additional tests?

Here are a few tests that can be done at such a time:

• An "X-ray" test.
• A complete blood count (CBC).
• An "ECG" (Electrocardiogram - EKG) test (see heart function).
• A "stress test".
• A urine test (Urinalysis).
• A "lipid panel" that checks the level of fats, such as cholesterol, in the blood.

After these additional tests, you may be asked to see your doctor again to review the results and make sure your health is okay.

What kind of results do we get?

This "physical exam" is like a snapshot of your health . When the exam is finished, the doctor will tell you about:

• Is there anything special you want to know about your health?
• Do you want to do any additional tests?
• Do you need to be referred to a specialist?
• What can you do to improve your health?
• Or, are you in good health?

If the doctor finds anything that is affecting your general health, he may ask you to come back in a year for follow-up.

When do I need to see the doctor again?

Even after getting tested, talk to your doctor if:

• If you have any questions about your health or test results.
• If new symptoms appear, or if existing symptoms worsen.
• If you notice any changes in your body (e.g. a new lump, skin spot).

Take-Home Message

Your health is the most valuable thing you have. Therefore, a complete physical examination like this is very important to help keep you as healthy as possible. Sometimes, you may need to have more tests after this, or you may need to see the doctor again. But it's all for your own good.

Also, a check-up like this is a good opportunity for you to maintain a good relationship with a doctor. Then, even if you suddenly get sick, have someone you can trust to talk to. Remember, this annual health check-up is entirely for you. Therefore, it is done in a way that suits your needs. So, don't be afraid, don't be lazy, get a check-up like this and take care of your health.

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