Annual physicals important as you grow older

A comprehensive physical exam

The older you get, the more you need to keep track of your health on a yearly basis. An annual physical can spot the early warning signs of dangerous medical conditions before they cost you money or your life.

An annual physicals should cover every aspect of your health, starting with your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and temperature. The doctor will listen for any signs of trouble in your heartbeat and breathing, and will go over your medical history. If you have noticed any symptoms, this is the time to bring them up. There may be an eye, ear, nose and throat exam, and the doctor may also check your teeth and gums along with your skin, abdomen, joints and extremities. Your reflexes, balance and mental state might also be tested. For men, there may be a genital examination or hernia tests. For women, there may be a breast or pelvic exam. The doctor may order lab tests, including a blood sugar test to assess the risk of diabetes.

Getting an annual physical in Germantown, MD

The best place to get an annual physicals in the Germantown area is Germantown Primary Care Associates, serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown. Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer. When visiting for the first time, bring your insurance card and a picture ID. The clinic accepts Aetna including the Medicare Advantage HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Beech Street, Cigna, Coventry, Healthgram, Human Choicecare, Medcost, Medicare and Railroad Medicare and United Healthcare. If you do not have any of these, contact them to find out if your insurance is accepted. Call today.