Going to the doctor for a routine physical checkup is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Even if you feel perfectly fine today, regular checkups can help you catch health problems before they turn into something serious.
Below, our family healthcare providers in Crown Point, Indiana are going to explain what typically happens during a physical checkup so you know what to expect.
Your doctor needs to know about your health history.
When you first sit down with a family healthcare provider in Crown Point, Indiana, they are going to want to know about your medical history. They will ask you if you have had any major illnesses, surgeries, or injuries in the past, as well as what medications you are currently on. This is when you should mention if you have been feeling unwell or noticed any unusual symptoms lately.
Your doctor will also ask about your family’s medical background since some conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease) can run in families. If they know what health problems might be in your genes, they can be extra watchful and give you advice on lowering your risk.
Your doctor will check your vital signs.
After reviewing your medical history, your family healthcare provider in Crown Point, Indiana will check your vital signs. They will measure your body temperature, pulse (heart rate), breathing rate, and blood pressure to see if everything is within a healthy range.
If your blood pressure is too high or your heart rate seems off, your doctor might perform some more checkups to diagnose what is really going on. For example, high blood pressure can sometimes have no obvious symptoms, but it can still increase the risk of heart disease, so diagnosing it in its early stages is very important. If anything looks concerning, your doctor will explain the possible causes and treatment options.
Remember that some conditions don’t show symptoms until they are more advanced. This is why it is advised that you regularly visit your doctor for a physical checkup even when you feel fine.
Your doctor will check different parts of your body.
Now is when the actual physical checkup starts. This is where your provider checks different parts of your body to make sure everything looks and feels normal. They will check your skin, head, and neck and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. These observations can help them catch anything unusual (like irregular heartbeats or breathing issues) even if you have not noticed anything yourself.
Your reflexes might also get tested by the doctor. They will tap your knees or elbows with a small rubber hammer to see how well your nerves and muscles are working. They may also check your skin and nails since changes in their appearance can sometimes be signs of deeper health conditions, like vitamin deficiencies or circulation problems.
Your doctor will give you advice on staying healthy.
At the end of your visit, your family healthcare provider in Crown Point, Indiana will sit down with you to go over everything and answer any questions you have. This is when you should bring up anything on your mind, like concerns about weight, stress, sleep, or any unusual changes you have noticed in your body.
If you have an ongoing condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor will check how you are managing it and discuss any changes to your treatment plan. You may need a different medication, or maybe some simple lifestyle adjustments (for example, exercising more or eating less salt) could help improve your condition. Take the time to have this conversation to make sure that you leave the appointment with a clear plan for staying as healthy as possible.
Looking for an Affordable Family Healthcare Provider in Crown Point, Indiana?
Do you need help managing a chronic condition so you can live a healthy and happy life? If so, and if you are looking for an affordable family healthcare provider in Crown Point, Indiana who can care for your entire family, our physicians at 219 Health Network are here to help. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your visits.