Getting an annual checkup is a smart health decision as you get older. An annual physical exam helps detect any early signs of illnesses or helps better manage any existing chronic conditions. It is the best method to stay on top of your health. Although an annual physical exam may not be mandatory, the doctors usually recommend it based on a person’s age, gender, and medical history. The primary care doctors at MKR Medical PC specialize in helping individuals who are concerned about their overall health and well-being make positive changes in their life. Our primary care physicians are well-trained in preventive care, diagnoses, and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses.
As the healthcare needs of each individual are different, the annual checkup procedure may be needed for detecting various health conditions such as the following:
1) Blood pressure
Having high blood pressure (hypertension) puts patients at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, which are considered the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, as per the statistics, high blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health conditions which affects 1 in every 3 U.S. adults. Therefore, a BP test is crucial for people over 50. An annual physical exam usually covers a range of common tests, including the blood pressure test. If your hypertension levels are high, the doctor may also recommend a diabetes test.
2) Obesity
In America, obesity is another one of the leading causes of heart and health problems. In fact, as per a national health report in 2020, the U.S. adult obesity rate has passed the 40% mark and stands at 42.4%, with every state having a minimum of 20-25 percent of adults with obesity. Therefore, if you are overweight, the annual checkup may help identify any risk factors and take timely action to prevent them. Our primary care physicians at MKR Medical PC specialize in creating a personal weight management plan that considers all aspects of patients’ health to ensure holistic care.
3) Screening for early signs of cancer
Whether you are a male or a female, most people over the age of 50 are usually vulnerable to various types of cancers. For example, in males, the risk of prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. On the other hand, the risk of breast cancer increases significantly for women after the age of 50. If the patient has any family history of breast cancer, the risk is higher. Therefore, an annual checkup of the rectal, colon, pelvic, or breast exam is highly recommended by healthcare professionals.
4) Blood testing for Potential Health Conditions
As heart diseases are the top cause of death in the U.S., the American Diabetes Association recommends an annual checkup for patients over 45, especially if the patient has a family history of chronic diseases. Regular blood testing during the annual checkup is highly beneficial in determining the effect of poor diet, lifestyle habits such as smoking, and other underlying causes of concern. Moreover, the annual checkup helps keep track of the patient’s cholesterol levels, diabetes, and other heart disease risk factors enabling patients to manage their health better.
5) Age-related conditions
Both men and women also undergo various changes as they get older. These changes may occur due to normal aging, such as reduced levels of testosterone, menopause, or decreased bone density, and other risk factors. An annual checkup may help patients keep better track of their health and help reduce the risk of age-related diseases they might be vulnerable to.
6) Identifying behavioral conditions
Sometimes, some people silently suffer from stress, overworking, depression, anxiety, and other conditions that may adversely affect their health. In that case, an annual checkup that includes behavioral screening, including stress testing, neurological testing, or psychology counseling session, may be highly beneficial in keeping patients mentally and physically healthy.
At MKR Medical PC, we have an excellent team of Primary Care physicians who work in collaboration with top Cardiologists and Internal Medicine experts in Brooklyn, NY. We aim to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s overall health and medical history to assist patients as they age and go through different phases of life. We create a unique healthcare plan personalized to each patient to ensure they get the best care possible.
So, if you are over the age of 45-50 and have not had an annual checkup yet, it might be time to get your yearly health examination done to prevent potential health risks. Schedule a consultation with our healthcare experts today.