The Importance of an Annual Physical with Your Primary Care Physician

Taking charge of your health is empowering, and regular physical exams are a proactive way to maintain your well-being. Annual wellness exams with Charles Ripp, MD, Fran Gorman, DNP, and the primary care specialists at Gorman Medical, PC in Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek, Colorado, offer more than just a check-up; they're an opportunity to create a personalized health plan and identify potential health issues early.

Ready to take control of your health? Read on to discover the importance of an annual physical with your primary care physician.

The Power of Prevention

An annual physical exam, or well-check, is a thorough health assessment. It’s the perfect time to discuss your overall health and any concerns you may have, such as changes in sleep, weight, or stress levels. Regular visits help build a strong patient-provider relationship and enable us to develop a wellness plan tailored specifically to you. Our trained providers monitor your baseline health and may identify patterns you might overlook.

Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for managing serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Skipping your annual physical could mean missing the chance for early treatment.

What Happens During a Physical

A head-to-toe exam allows us to assess your overall health, including posture, balance, and reflexes. During a physical, we check vital signs, measure height and weight, and evaluate general wellness.

Here’s a breakdown of what we may cover during your yearly appointment:

• Blood Pressure: Regular screenings can detect hypertension early, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and other issues.
• Cholesterol: A blood test can reveal high cholesterol levels, which may not present symptoms but significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Blood Sugar: An A1C test measures the average glucose level in your blood over the past three months, helping detect diabetes or prediabetes.
• Bone Density: X-rays can measure bone mineral content, determining the risk of osteoporosis, which causes fragile and easily broken bones.
• Sexual Health Screening: Annual physicals may include screenings for STIs, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, or testicular cancer. Women should also schedule yearly well-woman visits with our women's health specialists.

Beyond the Physical

During your exam, we may discuss your family history, physical activity level, and alcohol consumption. If you’re at risk for chronic health conditions, we’ll talk about changes and strategies to stay healthy.

Annual physical exams are vital for maintaining good health, even if you have no current symptoms or concerns. Are you overdue for a visit? Schedule an appointment by reaching out to our team online or by phone today.