What is the purpose of a wellness exam?
Wellness exams give you and your doctor a big-picture idea of your health. You may be in good health now, but chronic health issues can take a long time to develop noticeable symptoms, and you may be unaware of your risks for developing problems down the road.
Regular wellness exams allow your doctor to detect health conditions in their early stages. This will save you time, money, and stress, and allow you to stay healthier than you would be if you only got treatment after problems developed. With Family Medicine Specialists of Texas' guidance, you can take a preventive approach to manage your health, by following good habits and knowing what warning signs to look out for.
Family Medicine Specialists of Texas also gets to know you better through your wellness exams, and having a doctor who’s familiar with you and your medical history is one of the best tools you can have to stay healthy.
How often should I get a wellness exam?
There’s a good chance your health insurance allows you to get one wellness exam a year for free. However, you may or may not need to come in that often.
Depending on your age and risk factors, you’ll benefit from being examined and screened for certain conditions annually. All adults ages 50 or older should get annual exams.
Younger adults may only need a wellness exam every two to three years. However, Family Medicine Specialists of Texas may recommend annual exams to monitor your health more closely if you’re at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Examples of risk factors include being overweight and having a family history of these conditions.
Family Medicine Specialists of Texas recommends a wellness exam schedule after thoroughly evaluating your health.
How do I prepare for my wellness exam?
Family Medicine Specialists of Texas can provide you with the best preventive care when they have your input. Though they can monitor your vital signs, perform physical exams, and screen for certain diseases, they're an even more useful resource when they're aware of your health concerns and habits. A lot of that depends on what you tell them.
To get the most out of your wellness exam, be sure to provide Family Medicine Specialists of Texas with a list of any medications and supplements you take, your family’s history of diseases, and any diagnosed conditions you have. Also, though you may feel uncomfortable sharing personal information, they're here to help, not to judge you. That’s why it’s important to be honest about your eating habits, sexual behavior, and any substances you use, including alcohol and tobacco.
To schedule a wellness exam and preventive care at Family Medicine Specialists of Texas, call or click today.
