The importance of having a complete medical examination (Annual Physical Examination) at least once a year

Most of us only go to the doctor when we have a fever, a cold, or aches and pains, right? But do you know how important it is to see a doctor at least once a year for a full physical examination, even if you are healthy and free of any illness? This is like having a car serviced while it is still running well. Today, let's talk about the Annual Physical Examination.

What exactly is this annual medical examination?

Simply put, this is a complete review of your health. Here, the doctor not only looks at your current illness, but also identifies risk factors for future illness and provides advice on how to prevent them.

You may have some minor health problems. But you may be wondering if you need to go to a doctor for these minor things. So, this is the best time to ask any questions or doubts you have. If some diseases are detected early, they can be treated and cured completely.

Where can I get this test done?

In Sri Lanka, you can get this done at the outpatient department (OPD) or clinics of a government hospital. You can also get full body check-up packages at various prices from any private hospital or medical center.

What usually happens during this test?

There are several parts to an annual test. Let's see what they are.

1. Conversation with you (Medical History)

This is the most important part. The doctor will talk to you in a friendly manner and get your health information.

• Any illnesses or ailments you currently have.
• Your lifestyle: smoking, alcohol use, diet, and whether you exercise.
• Does anyone in your family have diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or cancer?
• About the vaccines you have received.
• We are also talking about your mental health here.

2. Basic Vital Signs Check

This measures several indicators of your body's basic functions. These can give you a good picture of your health.

3. Physical Examination

The doctor is examining you now.

• General appearance: A doctor can tell a lot about your health from things like the way you talk, walk, and even your skin tone.
• Heart and lung examination: A stethoscope is placed on the chest and the doctor listens to the sounds of the heart and lungs. Abnormal sounds can be used to diagnose diseases.
• Head and neck examination: When asked to open his mouth, he will examine the condition of the throat, tonsils, teeth, and gums. He will also examine the eyes, ears, nose, lymph nodes in the neck, and the thyroid gland.
• Abdominal Exam: The doctor will palpate and feel the abdomen to check the size of organs such as the liver and to see if there are any abnormalities in the abdomen.
• Neurological Exam: Your reflexes, body balance, and muscle strength are tested.
• Skin and nail examination: Some skin conditions can be a symptom of another internal disease.
• Examination of the hands and feet: Check for pulse in the hands and feet, swelling or pain in the joints.

Specific tests for women and men

This may include tests specific to men and women, depending on age and risk factors.

Male Physical Exam

• Testicular Exam: Checking the testicles for lumps, swelling, or changes in size.
• Hernia Exam: A "hernia" is a test to see if there is a weakness in the abdominal wall between the intestines and the testicles.
• Prostate Exam: Inserting a finger into the rectum to check the size of the prostate and for lumps.

For women (Female Physical Exam)

• Breast Exam: A manual examination of the breasts and armpit area to detect breast cancer or other lumps.
• Pelvic Exam: Examination of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. This includes Pap tests to detect cervical cancer and HPV testing , if necessary.

Annual check-up for children

An annual checkup is very important for your child.

• Immunizations: Check to see if the child has received all the vaccinations for their age and administer the necessary vaccinations.
• Growth: Height and weight are measured to see if the child's growth is appropriate for their age.
• Physical examination: The heart and lungs are checked. They also check for curvature of the spine.
• Mental health: Especially for young children, you can also ask questions about their mental health and depression.

Routine blood and urine tests

Not everyone gets the same blood tests, but your doctor may recommend certain tests based on your age, risk factors, and symptoms.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Can detect anemia and infections.
• Blood sugar level: To diagnose diabetes.
• Lipid Profile: To check the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These indicate the risk of heart disease.
• Kidney Function Tests: For example, Serum Creatinine.
• Urine Full Report (UFR): You can get information about urinary tract infections and kidney diseases.

Prepare like this before going to the test

To get the most out of your doctor's appointment, here are a few things to do.

• Write down questions: Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor and any concerns you have on a piece of paper.
• Remember your medical history: Tell your doctor about any surgeries and treatments you've had in the past year.
• Make a list of your medications: Make a list of all the medications you take (prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, even traditional medicines).
• Test reports: If you have any reports, such as blood tests you've had previously, bring them with you.
• Wear light clothing: Wear clothing that you can easily change into during the test.