The importance of annual physical exams

Annual physicals

An annual physical is especially important as you grow older. Anyone whose health is less than perfect should get one. A primary care physician may spot the first warning signs of heart disease or diabetes or other serious ailments before you do. Here are some of the things your annual physical may go into:

• Your pulse, blood pressure, breathing and temperature.

• Your medical history over the past year, including diet, exercise and habits.

• Your eyes, ears, nose,and throat.

• Your abdomen, joints and extremities.

• Your reflexes, balance and mental state.

Getting an annual physical in Germantown, MD

When going to a primary care facility for the first time, be sure to bring your insurance card and a picture ID. You should also bring a list of whatever medications you take along with the dosage, any recent test results you may have gotten from other physicians, and whatever other information you think may be useful.

One place to get a comprehensive physical exam in the Germantown area is Germantown Primary Care Associates, serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown, run by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manbir Takhar. If you download a copy of the registration form from their Web site for your first visit, it will speed up the process of checking in. You will not need to do this the next time you visit.

For all but the healthiest of us, an annual physicals exam is a wise precaution. Schedule one today.