Many serious health concerns can develop without noticeable symptoms, earning them the nickname “the silent killers.” These conditions can quietly progress for months or even years before suddenly causing serious harm to your well-being.
But there is good news! A simple physical exam can help detect many of these conditions early. Searching for a “physical exam near me” can be the first step in taking control of your health.
Learn more about why you should get an annual physical exam, what conditions it could help detect, and where to find a physical exam near your home in Adams County.
3 Chronic Conditions a Physical Exam Can Reveal
Prevention is key to staying healthy. Regular physical exams are the best way to detect and address health conditions early. During an exam, your healthcare provider can check for warning signs and offer advice on how to manage your health better.
Here are just some of the conditions a routine physical exam can help detect:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has no noticeable symptoms. However, it can significantly increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. A routine blood pressure check is a quick and painless way to identify hypertension early. Your healthcare provider can also discuss lifestyle changes that help lower blood pressure and prevent further complications.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, but it can lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke. A blood test during a physical exam can determine your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) levels. If your LDL cholesterol levels are high, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of diet, exercise, and medication to manage them. In many cases, genetics plays a role in cholesterol levels, so medication is often recommended.
Type 2 Diabetes
Many individuals in the early stages of developing type 2 diabetes don’t realize they are at risk. It’s important to recognize the signs of prediabetes. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause damage to your nerves, eyesight, kidneys, and heart. A blood sugar analysis can detect diabetes early, so you can start managing it with lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
Are Physical Exams Just for Detecting Issues?
An annual exam with your doctor can help detect the early signs of health conditions like high blood pressure and prediabetes. However, that’s not all physical exams are good for.
Routine physical exams are a helpful way to:
- Reduce healthcare costs by catching issues early before they require expensive treatments or hospitalization.
- Track changes over time, giving your healthcare team the context they need to monitor shifts in your health.
- Guide lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic conditions and improve your overall well-being.
Skipping your annual check-up might not seem like a big deal, but it could mean missing an opportunity to catch a serious health issue early. A yearly physical exam can give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken steps to protect your long-term health.
Where to Get a Physical Exam Near Me
Take charge of your health! East Adams Rural Healthcare makes it easy to get your yearly physical exam. Plus, you can choose the option that works best for you:
- Primary care provider: Schedule a routine check-up with one of our family doctors for comprehensive health screenings and ongoing care.
- Walk-in clinic: Don’t want to wait for an appointment? Stop by our walk-in clinic for a quick physical exam and basic health screenings when convenient.
- Mobile clinic: Residents of Adams County can also visit our mobile clinic for their physical exam. It’s an easy, accessible way to get quality medical care, available by appointment or as a walk-in service.
Don’t wait for symptoms to develop. Be proactive about your health and schedule a physical exam at EARH. A simple checkup could save your life!
