Have you ever gone to see a doctor when you don't have any physical problems? Many people think that you only need to see a doctor when you are sick. But that's not true. A physical examination is a very important thing to know if our body is in good condition and how to prevent future illnesses. Let's talk about it simply and in a friendly way today.
What is this physical examination?
Simply put, this is a checkup of your overall health. It's like getting your car serviced and checking for any problems before it breaks down. Here, the doctor is looking to help you maintain your health. Some people also call this a ' wellness check', 'checkup', or 'annual physical'.
The main purpose of this is to prevent disease before it occurs (Preventive care) . It is very important to get this test done even if you do not have any disease.
Why do we all need to take this kind of test?
There are several reasons for this. Think of it like the attention you give to your own body.
- You can check your overall health status .
- You can seek advice from your doctor about things you can do to stay healthy.
- This is a good opportunity to investigate any underlying illness or symptoms you may be experiencing.
- You can find out if there are any vaccines that you should get based on your age and get them.
- This is the best place to ask about any health issue you have without fear .
- This test is also required for some jobs, or to get a sports physical to ensure your health is good before playing sports.
Doctors often advise people to have this type of medical examination at least once a year .
What does the doctor look for during a medical examination?
The doctor will examine your major systems from head to toe. These are some of the things that are usually checked.
| Body part/system being examined | Simply put, what are you looking at? |
|---|---|
| Skin | Check for unusual spots, warts, rashes, or other skin problems. |
| Eyes, ears, nose and throat | Things like eyesight, hearing, signs of throat infections, and nasal problems are checked. |
| Heart | A stethoscope is placed on the chest and listened to to check for the heart rate, rhythm, and any unusual sounds. |
| Lungs | They check to see if the breathing sounds are normal or if there are any unusual sounds, such as wheezing. |
| Abdomen | They hold the hand, squeeze it, and check the size of organs like the liver and kidneys, and whether there is any pain. |
| Nervous system | Things like balance, reflexes, and muscle strength are tested. |
| Mental health | The doctor also talks about things like your mood and stress. |
Depending on your age and gender, this may include breast , genital , or prostate exams.
Things to prepare before going to see the doctor
To make your test more successful, it's a good idea to prepare these things before you go.
| What to bring/prepare | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| A list of medications and vitamins you are currently taking. | The doctor can get an idea of your complete condition. |
| Details about your allergies | This is essential for your safety. |
| A note about your symptoms | Writing down things like when the pain starts and how long it has been there will help you understand the exact problem. |
| Reports of previous tests | You can avoid having to take the same test again in vain. |
| A list of questions on your mind | You can ask questions without forgetting what's on your mind. You don't have to worry later, saying, "I was going to ask the doctor this, but I forgot." |
Okay, now what happens when you meet the doctor?
This test usually takes about 30 minutes. First, a nurse or physician assistant will measure your height, weight, and vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate , and body temperature .
Then the doctor will talk to you.
- About your old illnesses .
- Does anyone in the family have diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure ?
- About your lifestyle (e.g. smoking, alcohol use).
It's very important to tell the doctor the truth. Don't be shy. The information you provide will help them give you the best treatment and advice.
Then the physical examination begins. The doctor uses four main methods:
- Auscultation: Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Inspection: Checking with both eyes for changes in areas such as the skin and throat.
- Palpation: Checking for lumps in the abdomen and swollen lymph nodes in the neck by holding the hand and squeezing the area.
- Percussion: Listening to the sound produced by tapping with the fingers to get an idea of the condition of organs.
What happens after the test?
When the test is finished, the doctor will tell you the results.
- It can be said that your health is in good condition .
- Otherwise, if they see a problem, they will explain it.
- Sometimes, we may ask you to do some more tests to investigate a problem further. For example:
- X-ray examination `(X-ray)`
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- A test that checks the heartbeat (Electrocardiogram – EKG)
- Urinalysis
- A test to check cholesterol levels (Lipid Panel)
- If necessary, you can also be referred to a specialist .
When do you want to see the doctor again?
Even after your annual checkup, see the doctor in a situation like this.
- If you have questions about your test results.
- If new symptoms appear or old symptoms worsen .
- If you notice a new lump or spot on your body.
A medical check-up is a very important thing that helps keep you healthy. It's also a good opportunity to build a good relationship with a doctor who you can trust when you're feeling sick.
Take-Home Message
- Even if you don't have any illnesses, getting a medical checkup at least once a year is a good investment in your health.
- This helps to identify a disease before it develops or to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- When you go to see the doctor, write down the questions you have and the details of the medications you are taking.
- Don't be shy or afraid to answer the questions the doctor asks during the examination. It's for your own good.
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