Physicals

What are physicals?

A physical exam is a preventive procedure that assesses your general health. 

During a physical, our physicians review your medical history and ask about your lifestyle, including how often you exercise, the type of food you eat, and if you smoke or drink alcohol.  Then, they check your vital signs, including your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate. 

Next, our physicians observe your skin, looking for any unusual growths or moles. Then, they use light to examine your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Our physicians have you lie down on an exam table and gently palpate your abdomen to determine the size and location of your organs. Afterward, they ask you to sit up and test your reflexes, nerves, and balance. 

Following the exam, our physicians order lab tests or screening procedures based on your age, medical history, and needs.

How is a woman's physical different from a man's physical?

At The Healthy Woman, a woman’s physical includes several sex-specific procedures, including:

Breast exam

During a breast exam, our physicians carefully feel your breasts for any abnormal growths or lumps. They also check your lymph nodes and assess the appearance of your breasts and nipples.

Pelvic exam

During a pelvic exam, our physicians assess the health of your cervix, vulva, vagina, ovaries, and uterus. Depending on your age and sexual activity, they might also recommend a Pap test or an HPV test.

What type of lab tests do physicals involve?

At The Healthy Woman, our physicians recommend lab testing based on each individual’s needs. Some of the most common tests that they order include a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, and a urinalysis. These measures can diagnose potentially serious conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.

How often should I schedule a physical exam?

Our physicians recommend scheduling a physical exam at least once a year, even if you feel healthy. Many potentially serious conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, don’t present obvious symptoms at first. 

Regular visits to The Healthy Woman can alert you early on. Plus, our physicians can make recommendations to help you keep these issues in check and prevent them from getting worse. 

Don’t wait to schedule a physical exam at The Healthy Woman. To make an appointment, call the nearest office or click the online booking feature today.