Your annual physical is vital to your overall health and wellness, addressing any concerns and looking for changes to your body. You can have an annual physical at any time of year, but during the winter may be the best option, but why?
Your immune system is a critical part of staying healthy throughout the flu and COVID season, and a physical helps us determine if anything is affecting it or other aspects of your health.
At the Regenerative Medical Group, Dr. Bryn J. Henderson and Dr. John S. Farag offer annual physicals to anyone in the Orange, California area. We help you stay healthy all year round, especially over the winter.
Sickness and injuries happen frequently and are one of the reasons to see your primary healthcare provider – but why should you see them when you feel okay?
An annual physical is essential to your overall health, even when you're not sick. It's an opportunity to ask the doctor questions and take preventive measures to stay healthy.
The great thing about a physical is that it allows you to confide in your doctor throughout the years, discussing issues that pop up, such as mental health concerns, family history changes, or a bothersome mole that pops up.
It's also a chance to discuss preventive measures like vaccines and bloodwork to determine how your body works. Your healthcare provider discusses your family history, changes in your health, and other concerns you may have.
The next part of the appointment is the physical exam. During the exam, we check various parts of your body, including:
We also evaluate your heart to ensure it's beating correctly and not causing problems like chest pain or shortness of breath. During the exam, we ask you if anything is causing you pain or has changed since your last visit.
A medication review is another part of the annual physical where we discuss your current medications and if you're having any issues or side effects.
You can have your annual exam any time during the year, but choosing winter may be your best bet. This is especially true for kids and older adults.
In the winter, illnesses like the flu, common cold, and sore throats are common, putting everyone at risk for sickness. Most people choose to stay inside together, gathered around the fireplace over the winter, where they can quickly spread illnesses.
Getting your physical exam during the winter is a good idea to catch up on any necessary vaccines that protect you from COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
People with heart issues should also consider getting an annual exam in the colder months. Heart problems may get worse over the winter due to the freezing weather.
The colder weather causes the blood vessels in the body to constrict, leading to less blood flow to the heart, which can exacerbate cardiac issues.
However, a physical exam during winter helps us evaluate your heart condition during the worst time of the year to ensure you stay healthy.
Asthma and other breathing issues also worsen with the cold, making it a good time for an evaluation. We offer treatments like IV infusion therapy for heightened immunity and a better breather program to control asthma and COPD.
If you're worried about your kids' health, heart health, or winter immunity, don't hesitate to call the Regenerative Medical Group today to schedule your winter physical or request a consultation on the website.
