Annual Physicals

What are annual physicals?

Annual physicals are physical exams that happen once a year. They allow you to maintain and even improve your overall health. Northeast Florida Internal Medicine makes it convenient and easy to schedule annual physicals and get all the care you need in one place. 

What are the goals of annual physicals?

Annual physicals have several main goals, including: 

Identifying risk factors 

Many chronic diseases share common risk factors, including carrying extra weight, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Other uncontrollable risk factors, like your genetics, also come into play. Annual physicals identify risk factors for conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well. 

Detecting chronic diseases early

One of the main purposes of annual physicals is finding and treating the signs of chronic diseases before you experience obvious symptoms. This often involves lab testing, diagnostics, or other types of screenings in the office. “Catching” such signs early allows you to start treatment earlier and may help you prevent conditions entirely. 

Making necessary changes

Depending on your risk factors and state of health, you might need to make some changes to get healthy and avoid disease. The Northeast Florida Internal Medicine team guides you in learning healthy habits and, if necessary, starting weight loss management, an obesity medicine program, or other types of medical care. 

Keeping these goals in mind, the team works with you now and throughout your life. With the same team handling your care through the years, you’ll have the resources you need to meet these goals and stay healthy. 

Who needs annual physicals?

All adults need annual physicals. They are especially vital if you already have risk factors for preventable diseases or are struggling with your health. 

As you age, your risk of developing chronic illnesses increases each year. About 95% of older Americans have a chronic condition today. Starting annual physicals now is one of the best ways to avoid that. Annual physicals are also a good time to get any immunizations you need.

The team develops a proactive, preventive health care plan just for you, with annual physicals and other support you might need. 

Northeast Florida Internal Medicine promotes proactive health care that puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your own health. An annual physical is the first step, so call the office or schedule your appointment online today.