Annual Physicals in Illinois
An annual physical exam provides a comprehensive check-up to detect potential health concerns early. Our medical team at Cermak and NewMed Immediate Care offers a detailed review of your medical history and lifestyle and a full physical evaluation, ensuring you receive the best possible care. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online with easily accessible locations in Cicero IL, Chicago IL, Hoffman Estates IL, and Rolling Meadows IL.
Table of Contents:
What is usually included in an annual physical exam?
What is the difference between an annual physical and a wellness exam?
How do I prepare for an annual physical?
How long does an annual physical last?
Our team of experienced physicians is committed to comprehensively evaluating each individual’s overall health and well-being. We start by conducting a thorough review of your medical history and lifestyle habits. This includes discussing previous medical issues, current medications, and any allergies. We also consider your social and occupational background, along with key lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol or substance use, diet, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Additionally, we evaluate your family medical history to assess any potential hereditary health risks.
The physical examination, a core component of the annual check-up, includes a thorough assessment of your vital signs to gain insights into the functionality of your heart, blood vessels, lungs, and overall health. Our physicians conduct a meticulous examination of your body, from head to toe, evaluating your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, checking your musculoskeletal system, and conducting a neurological evaluation.
Women’s health screenings are integral to our annual physical exams. Considering your age and medical history, these may include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, blood sugar tests, glaucoma tests, and mammograms.
We also perform laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine analysis, or stool sample analysis, to check for diseases such as anemia, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and certain cancers.
We firmly believe in the importance of both an annual physical and a wellness exam for maintaining optimal health. These two types of examinations, while different in their approach and focus, are both instrumental in ensuring that our patients are not only disease-free but also living the healthiest lives possible.
During an annual physical, our skilled physicians will conduct a comprehensive examination to diagnose and manage any existing health problems. Drawing from their vast experience, coupled with an understanding of your medical history and current symptoms, they will thoroughly evaluate your health status. Necessary tests will be ordered, and if required, medications will be prescribed. Our primary aim is to establish a clear picture of your overall health and to catch any potential issues early on.
In contrast, a wellness exam is an all-encompassing, preventive health exam. Our team will assess your overall health status, but the focus here is on identifying risk factors for chronic diseases and providing preventive care. This may involve screenings for prevalent health risks such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as cholesterol checks, immunizations, and other screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. With a wellness exam, we aim to promote your health, prevent illness, and optimize your longevity through advice on lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
Maintaining your overall health is critical, and an annual physical exam can play a crucial role in this process. This comprehensive check-up helps identify potential health risks and formulate strategies for your well-being. To ensure the most benefit from your exam, it’s essential to prepare adequately.
● Scheduling Your Appointment: First, we recommend scheduling your appointment well in advance. Ideally, you should book your appointment a few weeks or even months ahead.
● Fasting Instructions: Follow the specific fasting instructions provided by the doctor. Typically, this involves abstaining from food and liquids, except water, for 8-12 hours before your appointment.
● Medical History, Medications, and Family Health History: Before your appointment, review your family’s health history. Our doctors will want to know if there are any new health issues in your family since your last visit, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Also, make a detailed list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and nutritional supplements. This information will help our doctor avoid prescribing medication that could interact negatively with what you’re already taking.
● Current Symptoms and Concerns: Make note of any health concerns or changes you’ve noticed since your last physical. This could be anything from new aches and pains to changes in your sleep or eating habits.
● Other Preparations: Remember to dress comfortably for your physical. You’ll probably need to change into a medical gown, so wearing clothes that are easy to take off and put on can make the process smoother. Ensure to arrive on time to avoid any delays. If desired, bring a support person, especially if you feel anxious or have any special needs.
Taking these preparation steps helps ensure your annual physical exam is thorough and valuable. This exam offers an opportunity to detect any potential health concerns early, giving you important insights into your health and equipping you to make informed choices about your well-being.
At your annual physical, our healthcare providers will evaluate your overall health and identify any potential concerns. We will measure your height and weight, monitor your blood pressure, and perform a thorough examination. Additionally, we’ll review your medical history, considering current and past health conditions, medications, and important lifestyle factors to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
After assessing your health, our team will discuss the findings and any recommendations for follow-up care or lifestyle modifications. If additional tests or screenings are required, such as blood tests or mammograms, these will be scheduled for a different day and are not included in the duration of the annual physical.
We believe that annual physicals are critical to maintaining health and catching potential health issues early. These check-ups allow for early detection and prevention of diseases, monitoring of chronic conditions, health education, and the establishment of a strong patient-provider relationship.
To ensure efficient exams, we advise patients to arrive on time and provide all necessary medical records. Be ready to discuss your health concerns and questions, and be honest and accurate when providing your medical history. Remember, the length of your exam may vary based on your individual needs.
We encourage all our patients to openly share their concerns and ask questions about their health. At Cermak and NewMed Immediate Care, we’re committed to your health and wellness. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Cicero IL, Austin, Berwyn Chicago IL, Chicago IL, River North Chicago IL, Englewood Chicago IL, Hoffman Estates IL, Bloomingdale IL, Hanover Park IL, Rolling Meadows IL, Williamsburg Rolling Meadows IL, Mt Prospect IL, and surrounding areas.