Annual Wellness Exam Checklist

A yearly wellness exam is an important part of staying healthy. The exam can help identify potential health problems and allow for early treatment. The checklist can help ensure that all necessary tests are performed.

Details for Annual Wellness Exam Checklist

1. Get a physical

A physical is a general health exam. It can help identify any potential health problems.

2. Check blood pressure

High blood pressure can be a sign of health problems such as heart disease or stroke. Checking blood pressure regularly can help ensure early treatment if problems are detected.

3. Have cholesterol checked

High cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Checking cholesterol levels regularly can help ensure early treatment if problems are detected.

4. Get screened for cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Getting screened for cancer can help find cancer early, when it is more likely to be treated successfully.

5. Receive vaccinations as needed

Vaccinations can protect against diseases such as HPV, hepatitis B, and flu. All adults should receive the recommended vaccinations unless there is a medical reason not to do so.

6. Get screened for diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Getting screened for diabetes can help detect the disease early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

7. Check vision and hearing

Vision and hearing loss are both common in older adults. Checking vision and hearing regularly can help ensure that any problems are detected and treated early.

8. Get weighed and measured

Being overweight or obese increases the risk for many health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Getting weighed and measured on a regular basis can help track progress toward a healthy weight goal.

9. Discuss nutrition and exercise habits

Nutrition and exercise habits play a role in overall health and well-being. Discussing these habits with a healthcare provider can help create a plan to make healthy changes.

FAQ for Annual Wellness Exam Checklist

What should I expect during my annual wellness exam?

A wellness exam typically includes a physical examination, lab tests, and screenings for both common and serious health conditions. During the physical examination, your doctor will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, and may also test your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They will also look for any signs of illness or disease.

What kinds of lab tests are included in a wellness exam?

Lab tests that may be included in a wellness exam vary depending on your age, gender, and health history. However, some common tests include a complete blood count (CBC), lipid profile, thyroid function test, and urinalysis.

What screenings are conducted as part of a wellness exam?

Screenings that may be conducted as part of a wellness exam vary depending on your age, gender, and health history. However, some common screenings include mammography (for women), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing (for men), and cervical cancer screening (for women).

Do I need to fast before my wellness exam?

Fasting is not typically required before a wellness exam. However, if you are having specific lab tests done as part of your examination, your doctor may tell you to fast for 8-12 hours before the test.

What should I bring to my annual wellness exam?

It is typically recommended that you bring the following items to your annual wellness exam: a list of all medications you are taking, any recent X-rays or other diagnostic images, and any results from previous lab tests. You may also want to bring a list of questions for your doctor.

How often should I have a wellness exam?

The frequency with which you should have a wellness exam varies depending on your age, gender, and health history. However, most experts recommend having an annual exam.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my wellness exam?

There is no special preparation required for a wellness exam. However, you may want to take some time to write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. You may also want to wear loose-fitting clothing so that you can easily be examined.

What happens if something abnormal is found during my wellness exam?

If something abnormal is found during your wellness exam, your doctor will likely order additional tests to confirm the results. They may also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

In Summary

A wellness exam checklist can be a useful tool for keeping track of your overall health. It can help identify potential health problems and provide you with information on how to improve your health habits. However, it is important to remember that no checklist is 100% accurate. There are many things that can affect your health, so it is important to always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

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