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.

Annual physicals from Germantown Primary Care for a healthy year

Annual physicals for your health

Annual physicals from Germantown Primary Care in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County will keep you and your family healthy this season. Complete medical check-ups with an experienced primary care doctor can diagnose health issues before they become serious problems.

A comprehensive check-up now can mean less time at the doctor’s office later. If it has been a year or so since your last complete physical exam, schedule an appointment with Germantown Primary Care in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County.  

Expert primary care physicians

Annual physicals vary depending on age and health. Be prepared to discuss your medical history along with things like illnesses, surgeries and psychological issues. Your primary care physician will also want to discuss your family’s medical history. Health history of parents and grandparents play a role in a person’s well-being.

Annual physicals are a great chance to discuss any concerns you have about your health. Dr. Manbir Takhar at Germantown Primary Care will ensure that you receive a complete physical exam. Annual physicals aren’t just for children. Everyone, from teenagers to senior citizens, need annual medical check-ups. For all your health concerns maintenance means regular care from a skilled primary care physician.

Trust Dr. Takhar with the health of you and your family. Dr. Takhar and her skilled team want you and your family to start this autumn in the best health possible. Call her office for an appointment today. Germantown Primary Care Associates serves patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown with annual physicals and complete wellness check-ups.  

Information about annual physical exams

What is an annual physical exam?

An annual physical exam is a way to ensure your health and safety through a routine check-up. You can count on your Germantown, MD primary care clinic to deliver superior care for your annual physical exam.

Your medical history

The first part of the annual exam is usually a discussion or questionnaire about your health and medical history. This includes lifestyle and behaviors like smoking and tobacco use, alcohol, sexual activity, diet, and exercise. Your doctor will also ask about your family’s medical history, since some diseases and conditions are genetic, and will review your past vaccinations.

Vital signs

The next part of the exam is to check your vital signs. Your blood pressure should be less than 120 over 80. Your heart rate should generally be 60 to 100, though many healthy people actually have a rate below 60. Your respiration should be 12 to 16 breaths per minute. Your temperature should be approximately 98.6 degrees.  Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope for an irregular heartbeat or murmur, or any wheezing in your breathing. They will also examine your tonsils, throat, teeth, and gums, as well as thyroid, lymph nose, ears, and eyes. Finally, they will test your reflexes, balance, and muscle strength for any neurological issues, and skin for any dermatological issues.

Germantown Primary Care

Germantown Primary Care has been seeing patients in Germantown, Gaithersburg, Hyattstown, and Montgomery County for almost two decades. Germantown Primary Care’s Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Manbir Takhar. She has served in that position since 2012, and is dedicated to providing top-notch, individualized patient care.

Annual physical exams in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Overview

Annual physical exams are a vital component of healthy living, especially as you age, which is when health issues or concerns with your body’s primary functions are more likely to occur. Patients in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County, as well as the surrounding area can go to their local primary care clinic for this important exam, as well as many other medical services.

Exam

The annual physical entails an exam and vaccinations. During the exam, your doctor will check your vital signs and organs, as well as your joints and glands. Your doctor may also ask you about your lifestyle and medical history, or have you complete a questionnaire. Lab tests may be required depending on the results of your physical exam, or answers, which could include testing for: anemia, cholesterol, STDs, tuberculosis, and thyroid problems.

Vaccinations

The other portion of the annual physical exam is vaccinations. If you can, it is best practice to bring documentation of your prior immunizations when visiting a clinic for the first time, so that staff has an idea of which shots you may be missing. In addition to the standard vaccinations, shots for yellow fever and other travel-related viruses are offered, as well as TB testing, flu vaccinations, and allergy shots.

Your Clinic

Germantown Primary Care has seen thousands of patients over the past two decades throughout Germantown, Hyattstown, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. The Chief Medical Officer of Germantown Primary Care Associates has been Dr. Manbir Takhar since 2012. She has a passion for using her expertise to better the lives of her patients. 

Annual physical exams in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Annual Physical Exam Overview

Annual physicals are vital at every age, especially as you become older, as health concerns begin, and the body’s functions weaken. Depending on your insurance coverage, a comprehensive physical can be done either yearly or biennially. Residents in the Germantown, MD and Montgomery County areas can visit their local quality clinic to perform this exam.

Immunizations

Bring a copy of your past immunizations to the clinic, if it is your first time visiting, so that staff know which shots you need. Typically, vaccinations include: yellow fever, varicella, typhoid, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, HPV, diphtheria, and pertussis. TB testing, flu and travel vaccinations, and allergy shots are also available.

The Exam Itself

During the comprehensive annual physical exam, a staff member will check your: joints, muscles, lungs, heart, abdomen, neck and thyroid glands, nose, eyes, ears, skin, throat, breasts, and, for women, also the pelvis. Lab tests may be required, which could include tests for: STDs, tuberculosis, thyroid problems, anemia, and cholesterol. Your blood pressure, weight, and height will also be measured, and you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Your Clinic

Serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg, and Hyattstown, Germantown Primary Care offers a wide range of services and facilities to meet patients’ various needs. The medical team, which includes Dr. Manbir Takhar, offers both progressive medical treatments and all-inclusive, quality care. Germantown Primary Care has over 20 years of experience serving thousands of patients in the greater Washington area.