This back-to-school checkup is important for adults too
Annual visits with your primary care provider are important for staying healthy as an adult, just like annual checkups are for kiddos returning to school.
Annual physical exams, preventive screenings and staying up to date with your vaccinations are key components to maintaining your health. These appointments are also commonly called preventive, routine or annual exams.
“Back-to-school season is a great time for adult physical exams because it’s before we head into the winter months,” says Madelyn Boney, nurse practitioner at Aurora Health Care. “We can potentially identify any issues that could become more serious. When we perform preventive screenings, it allows us to detect health conditions early when they’re typically easier to treat.”
Boney says you should still get an annual exam even when you feel fine. “At your wellness appointment, we perform a physical exam, check your weight and vital signs, and update any necessary medical history,” adds Boney.
During adult annual visits, you have the opportunity to discuss:
- Your overall health along with any symptoms or changes to your health
- Your current medications and vaccines
- Your family history and risk factors
- Recommended bloodwork labs to check for indicators of health conditions or nutrient deficiencies
- Scheduling or performing a health screening
- Any mental health issues
The type of health screening recommended depends on your age, risk factors and gender. Common screenings include a colonoscopy, mammogram, or screenings for diabetes and heart disease.
Meeting with your provider annually also helps build a stronger patient and health care provider relationship.
Are you looking for a health care provider? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.
