As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to consider scheduling your next physical exam.

A routine physical is one of the most basic and vital tools for monitoring and maintaining your health. Annual physical examinations help your physician to detect and diagnose any problems early on, to promptly provide any treatment needed.

Sometimes a regular physical can detect conditions that are warning signs for more serious disorders. For example, standard physicals screen for high cholesterol or high blood pressure. These are both conditions that lead to other problems, but can be treated if they are diagnosed early enough.

Delaying a physical can lead to serious complications, because many illnesses and diseases have no physical symptoms early on. This is the primary reason that you should get regular routine physicals and stay on top of your own health and wellness. It’s your annual chance to talk to your physician about any complaints or concerns about your health, while also covering important behaviors like smoking, alcohol use, sexual health, diet and exercise, vaccination status and family medical history.

As the heath care system evolves and grows larger and more cumbersome, many people wonder if annual checkups are worthwhile. But routine annual physicals are an exceptional way to focus your attention on screening and prevention, while taking other steps to maintain your health. They are also an important benchmarking tool for your physician, who needs to be able to regularly monitor and assess your health.

This information was provided by Best Doctors. Consider contacting Best Doctors if you:

• Want an expert physician to review your medical condition or treatment plan
• Have questions about a medical condition discovered during your physical
• Need a new physician

Call 1-866-904-0910 or visit www.bestdoctors.com/members to learn more.