So, you’ve made a commitment to fitness in your life and to lead a (relatively) healthy lifestyle. That’s great! But are you neglecting what could be the most important thing you do this year? Have you had, or have you made plans to have, your annual physical?
Although it’s a nuisance for otherwise healthy adults, an annual physical exam should be near the top of your priorities. If you do not routinely visit a doctor for other reasons, an annual check-up is a must. Even if you feel healthy and are in excellent physical shape, an annual physical exam is your key to continued health and happiness. Reasons for scheduling that exam today include:
Peace of mind – validating that you are in good health takes away one more worry from you plate, possibly leading to less stress and more relaxed living
Early detection – most diseases manifest before there are any physical symptoms. For diseases with long progression periods (certain cancers, heart disease, etc.) early detection key to beginning treatment and conquering an illness
Prolonged life – along with early detection comes the possibility of a prolonged life if problems are found and treated expeditiously
Allows you to monitor “unseen” health issues – your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart disease, etc… for best results, take compare your physical exam results from year to year to see where you are improving, and where you need help. Discuss these changes with your doctor!
Doctor-patient relationship – establishes a relationship with your primary care physician to turn to when more serious problems arise. Don’t wait until an issue comes up before you open the phone book or telephone your insurance company to find a doctor.
An annual physical exam can save your life. I can speak from experience – in my early 20’s I went in for my routine physical. The doctor decided to take a biopsy of a mole he found, a mole which turned out to be stage III melanoma. Over a year of therapy later, I am back on track to healthy living. If I had waited a year, or decided that I had felt fine and not gone for my annual physical, that melanoma would have spread even further, and I may very well have been dead today.
So, is sparing an unpleasant hour or two at the doctor’s office worth it? Only you can decide, but if you are seeking a longer, higher quality-of-life existence the clear answer is yes. The excuse that there is not enough time does not fly… two hours at the doctor can save you months or years of heartache down the road.
You owe it to yourself, to your family, and all those who love you to get an annual physical exam. Even if you do not have insurance, it is worth your time and saving to get an annual check-up.
Don’t wait… do it today.
