Physicals are preventive health visits that deliver the screenings and guidance needed to reach and maintain optimal health. At Prevention First LLC in St. Louis, Missouri, Usman Javaid, MD, and Melody Wilkinson, AGPCNP, offer comprehensive physicals that reveal your current state of health. Book your visit online or by phone at your earliest convenience.
Physical exams are a chance to get the screenings you need for your age, sex, and overall health. Routine screenings can reveal signs of chronic disease in the earliest possible stages when treatment is often most effective.
Routine health screenings, including blood testing, also provide a wealth of information about how your body is currently functioning. This empowers your practitioner to identify potential areas of concern, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or elevated blood sugar (glucose).
Physicals are also an opportunity to connect with your practitioner and receive guidance on any health or wellness topics you like. Wondering if you should add supplements to your diet? Considering whether you need an annual flu shot? Your physicals are the setting to discuss these and any other health matters.
Prevention First LLC also offers specialized physical exams, including sports physicals, travel physicals, and employment physicals.
The initial part of your visit focuses on gathering routine health data, like your height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, and more. This data goes into your personal medical record, which becomes a valuable resource over time.
Next, you’ll have a chance to speak with your practitioner about any changes you’ve noticed or areas of concern. A quick physical examination follows and might include checks of your:
Lab testing, including blood work, is often part of an annual physical exam. Your practitioner is happy to discuss whether lab testing is needed.
Taking a bit of time to prepare for your visit helps you get the most from your annual physical exams. Begin by creating a written list of all the medication you take, including your dosage and dosing schedule.
If there are specific areas of concern you’d like to address during your visit, write down a list of questions or topics. It’s easy to forget something once your physical begins, which is why many people prefer to have things written down.
Thinking about what you hope to accomplish during your visit is also helpful. Whether you’re interested in losing weight, improving your nutrition, preparing for pregnancy, or overcoming a recent health injury, your practitioner is available to help.
Booking a physical is as easy as a quick phone call or a few moments on the online scheduling page, so don’t postpone this essential health and wellness task.