When Should I Get a Physical?

Age and health are the two main determining factors as to how often you should get a physical. Some people get checkups at recommended frequencies while others don't, but it's not always down to negligence. Your insurance coverage and income might determine just how often you're likely to get checkups. Many insurance providers will set frequencies for how often checkups will be covered, though some insurance agencies will adjust those frequencies based on doctor recommendations.

For most adults, the general recommendation is for one physical every five years throughout your 20s and 30s. Doctors recommend certain other checkups more often, such as tests on your cholesterol and blood levels. Tests on you cholesterol are recommended every few years, while blood-pressure checkups are advised on a yearly basis.

Getting Checkups as You Age

Depending on your age, you might be advised to get a physical once every few years or annually. After having a child, Infants are supposed to get frequent checkups until the age of one, followed by yearly checkups until they turn 18. Between the ages of 40 and 65, it's advised that you start getting checkups more regularly. Once you're over the age of 65, it's generally advised to get checkups every year to catch the signs of illnesses before they spread.

Older men and women who notice strange symptoms like new moles should go to their doctors immediately without waiting for their next checkup date. People who are at higher risk for diseases should also get physicals more frequently. If your family has a history with certain illnesses, you should probably see a doctor regularly to spot the early symptoms. If you're overweight, it's also advisable to get a physical more frequently.

Certain types of checkups are recommended based on gender. Yearly gynecological exams are recommended for all young women once they become sexually active. Men are advised to get annual prostate exams once they turn 50 to check for cancerous growths. Women, likewise, are advised to start getting yearly mammograms once they turn 40. If you come from a family with a long history of breast or prostate cancers, you should start your annual checkups up to five years earlier than most people.

Things to Ask Your Physician

When seeing a physician, you should never be shy about asking questions. Whatever health-related concerns you might have, you should explain things to your physician with as much detail as possible. The physician will also ask you pertinent questions, but it might not cover everything. Physicians are there to listen and care for you, but they won't be able to read your mind if you're not forthcoming enough.

Before you go in for your physical, you should write down all the concerns that you have about your health. If any minor pains or spots have come and gone through your body in the time since your last checkup, be sure to write down all the questions so you won't forget anything during your visit. Your time in the doctors office will be brief, so you'll want to make the most of everything while you're there.

You should always try to get the most from your checkups. If a doctor makes you nervous or you just don't communicate very well, you should look for a new physician. Ask people you know for recommendations and search around your area for other physicians. After each checkup, you should come away feeling more informed about your health. When you have a good doctor doing your examination, they'll put you at ease and allow you to feel confident about the process.

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