Jan 3, 2018 4 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

When we speak of healthy living, we primarily talk about diet and exercise. Rarely will we ever talk about the importance of an annual physical examination, yet, this is a key component to preventative healthcare, says a local physician.

“The annual physical allows your family doctor to perform a thorough examination, update your medical history and spot potential problems before they become something more serious,” says Julie Orlosky, DO, at Cornerstone Care.

Orlosky attributed the decreased popularity of regular physicals, in part, to the fact that many adults just can’t find the time to have it performed. She said that the other reason is that many don’t have family doctors.

“When they have an acute issue, they are forced to go to an urgent care clinic or to the emergency room,” Orlosky says. “However, once established with a family doctor who is familiar with you and your medical issues, the relationship goes deeper than just treating the acute concern. A family doctor treats the whole patient. They review your past medical history and family history and can identify diseases that may pose a risk for you in the future. Prevention is always our primary goal.”

Depending on the patient, an annual wellness physical usually begins with the family doctor reviewing any concerns that the patient has, medications they take and the past medical history as well as social and family history. A thorough physical exam is then performed, which includes vital signs and a head-to-toe exam. For some patients with risk factors or certain conditions, the exam may entail laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging. Finally, immunizations are updated and preventive cancer screenings are discussed.

“An annual wellness physical can detect a number of potential issues,” Orlosky notes. “First, we obtain a set of vital signs that offer significant insight into a patient’s overall health. High blood pressure is an increasing problem that, when identified early, can be treated and reduce the patient’s risk of heart disease and stroke. These are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, so if we can identify this early, we can save lives. Next, during the head-to-toe physical, we can screen for abnormalities such as heart murmurs, lung disease and poor circulation. Routine laboratory testing can help family doctors identify a number of common medical problems, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.”

The amount of time a wellness physical takes varies depending on the patient’s condition, though for many patients, it is a simple check that yields very few concerning findings and may take less than an hour. Patients whose health conditions require more care or patients new to a practice may take a bit longer. Patients often can expedite this process by completing necessary paperwork ahead of time and bringing a list of current medications and allergies, including vitamins and herbal supplements, with them.

“In addition, there are certain groups of patients who should schedule a wellness physical prior to engaging in any type of physical activity,” Orlosky says. “These include patients with diabetes, a personal or family history of heart or lung disease, certain musculoskeletal conditions or a history of passing out with exercise or fainting spells.”

She also suggests that patients arrive for their appointment armed with a list of questions that can help address any concerns they may have. These include:

• Am I up to date on all my vaccines?

• Do I need to have any cancer screenings performed?

• Does my family health put me at risk?

• How is my cholesterol?

• How is my diet?

• What do I need to do between now and my next visit?

• Am I taking all the right medications? Can I stop any of my medications?

“As a family doctor, I feel one of the most important aspects of healthcare is the doctor-patient relationship,” Orlosky says. “It is one of trust, openness, understanding and mutual respect.”