Annual Medical Exams: Topics to Discuss
Each person’s path to healthier living can be different. But it’s all about making healthier choices, in ways that make sense for you.
Eating right, staying active, managing health conditions—they’re all part of your overall health and wellness. Here are some other topics to consider on your way to better health.
Annual medical exams
Adult vaccinations
Taking your medicine
Scheduling your annual exam
Getting check-ups is one of many things you can do to help stay healthy.
Before your next check-up, make sure you do these 4 things:
- Review your family health history.
Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer. Your health care professional will assess your risk of disease based on your family history and other factors. He or she may also recommend things you can do to help prevent disease, such as exercising more, changing your diet, or using screening tests to help detect disease early.
- Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations.
Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history, and lifestyle? Check with your health care professional to see if it is time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, prostate cancer screening, blood pressure check, or eye check.
- Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you.
Review any existing health problems and note any changes. Be honest with your health care professional. For example, if you haven’t been taking your medicine as directed or exercising as much, say so. You may be at risk for certain diseases and conditions because of how you live, work, and play. Your health care professional develops a plan based partly on what you say you do. Help ensure that you get the best guidance by providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about you.
Be sure to write your questions down beforehand. Once you’re in the office or exam room, it can be hard to remember everything you want to know. Leave room between questions to write down your health care professional’s answers.
- Consider your future.
Do you have specific health concerns? Are you thinking about losing weight, taking a hazardous job, or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your health care professional so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.
Staying current with your vaccinations
You know vaccination is important for children. Do you know vaccination is also important for adults?
As you age, your immune system simply can’t fight off disease like it used to. It could use some help.
- Vaccination has been identified as one of the 10 greatest health achievements of the 20th century in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- The CDC recommends certain vaccines for adults.
- Some shots are needed every year and others are needed only once. Help protect yourself by getting vaccinated.
Which vaccinations should you get?
That depends on your age and your general health. Even your lifestyle or profession can make a difference in which vaccinations you need.
Talk to your health care professional if you have questions about vaccination.
Taking your medicine
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, your health care professional may prescribe medicine to help you reach your health goals. Bring all your medicines, in their original containers, to every doctor visit, and be sure to take your medicine as directed by your health care professional.
Tips for adjusting to a medication routine:
- Prepare yourself for slow, steady progress
- Establish a daily routine
- Ask for support