5 Topics to Bring Up at Your Next Physical

Regular doctor visits provide a way to track your health against benchmarks set by exams, tests, and screenings. One of the biggest benefits of annual physical exams is that they can provide a regular touchpoint between you and your doctor, making it easy to get things checked out early if your health changes or you start displaying symptoms.

The board-certified providers at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, recommend annual physical exams for all patients to help monitor your overall health, track the progress of any chronic conditions, and catch worrisome health issues early for optimal treatment.

Here are five things you should be prepared to discuss with your doctor at your annual physical. It can help to make a list and bring someone with you to your appointment so you don’t forget any items. 

1. Recent changes to your health information

Have you seen a specialist recently? Had a family member receive a diagnosis for something that could be hereditary? Experienced an injury (even if it’s healed)? Any and all of these are things your general doctor should know, so they can have a well-rounded picture of your health.

2. Any symptoms you’re experiencing

Any changes in your current health condition should also be reported. Even if a symptom seems mostly insignificant to you, it could be an early warning sign of a chronic condition that could threaten your mobility, cognitive function, physical health, or even life.

Any of the following can be a reason to check with your doctor:

• Changes in your ability to sleep or sleep quality
• Changes to your skin, such as new moles appearing or old moles changing
• Feelings of anxiety or depression
• Issues such as having to get up multiple times a night to urinate, or chronic constipation.
• Pain or loss of mobility anywhere in your body
• Changes in your vision or hearing
• Headaches
• Balance issues
• Sexually based concerns
• Weight gain or loss

More than 150 million American adults suffer from one or more chronic diseases or illnesses, but more than half go untreated for long periods of time because their doctor didn’t know they were having symptoms. 

3. Medication changes or questions

If you take medications or supplements, both prescribed and over the counter, it’s good to bring a list of each, along with the dosage and how you take them to your annual physical. Your doctor can make sure all of your medications are in your file, which can reduce the risks of having an adverse reaction due to two contraindicating medications being prescribed by different doctors on your care team.

4. Health improvement questions

If you’re hoping to improve your current state of health, take a moment to go over your lifestyle choices, including:

• What you eat and drink
• If you consume alcohol, and if so, how much and how often
• Whether you smoke
• If you exercise and if so, how
• Whether you indulge in recreational drug use
• Your sexual history, preferences, and habits
• Your sleep schedule and sleep quality
• What you do for stress relief

Don’t be shy or feel that certain topics are inappropriate to bring up. Everything you share with your doctor is 100% confidential, and our office is a judgment-free space.

5. Potentially needed tests or shots

Make sure to ask if you're due for any immunizations (especially if you plan to travel soon), or if it’s time for any exams like a mammogram or stress test. Your doctor may want to take a blood draw to test for high cholesterol or high blood glucose. 

These important screenings can help you get fast care for emerging health situations, and even forewarn you about potential problems that can be headed off with proactive treatment or lifestyle changes. 

Has it been a year since your last physical exam? Schedule an appointment at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours by calling our office or messaging us online.