5 Tips to Prepare for Your Annual Physicals

Yearly physicals are a great way to keep track of your overall health and well-being. But with the COVID-19 outbreak, it comes as no surprise that people are unsure or hesitant about visiting their family practitioner for a checkup.

These exams, however, go over vitals and major indicators to evaluate whether you’re in your fittest, healthiest form, share any concerns or problems you may have with your physician.

We’re sharing a few tips and tricks that you can try to help you prepare and feel more at ease for your appointment:

1. Schedule an appointment in advance

It's important to give yourself sufficient time to schedule an appointment. This is because the extenuating circumstances brought on by the pandemic require additional spacing and adequate time for disinfecting and cleaning, changing gear, preparing the clinic, and multiple other steps. It's also important to give yourself enough time to prepare for your appointment—so scheduling in advance makes a pretty big difference.

2. Ask your doctor for necessary preparation

Ask the clinic staff or physician whether fasting is necessary, what medication you should or shouldn't take, how to prepare for the examination and other factors that could affect the process. While fasting is recommended for some patients, it's not for others, so with your history in mind, they should be able to guide you better. 



3. Put together all your medical information

From your medical records to the list of medication you have or are taking, immunizations, and developments in your condition(s), you should have a cohesive list of everything you need before you visit your doctor. You don't need to bring medication along, but knowing the name and other details are important when consulting. If you’ve experienced or undergone a new condition or concern since your last evaluation, now is also a good time to have that updated in your history.

4. Prepare all concerns, questions, and issues

This is also the perfect time to bring forth any concerns, issues, or questions you have for your physician. Whether you’ve noticed a deterioration in your health, a new ache, trouble with something you previously didn't experience, or anything else that you need help with, use your appointment to discuss it with your provider. This gives your doctor a chance to identify and recommend further testing or evaluation and see if you need more help.

5. Dress comfortably but wear your face mask

It’s important that you follow all rules set by your clinic and wear a face mask, especially if you’re heading there during the next few weeks. Additionally, wear clothing that is loose and comfortable in order to ensure easier transitioning into gowns, etc.

 

 

If you’re worried about your safety, speak to the team at Natoma’s Family Medicine, one of Sacramento’s leading family medical centers, offering a range of medical services, including healthy physicals. Contact them here for more details.

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