Why You Should Never Skip Your Annual Wellness Exam

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six of ten American adults suffer from a chronic disease. To make matters worse, four of ten suffer from two or more chronic illnesses, ranging from heart disease to diabetes and cancer. In addition to early detection of illnesses and disease, annual wellness exams and physicals help to monitor your health on an ongoing basis. They’re also an important tool to get (and keep) you on track for a healthy and active lifestyle. At Macomb Medical Clinic, our health care providers offer annual wellness exams and a range of preventive and primary care services in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

What you don’t know about your health can hurt you

If you only go to the doctor when you’re sick, you’re not alone. Studies have found that as many as a quarter of the adults surveyed admitted to skipping wellness exams and routine doctor’s visits for their families due to cost. In addition to cost, other factors, like lack of access, long wait times, and busy schedules, can make it difficult for many families to get important preventive healthcare services and screenings. 

For people that are generally healthy, an annual wellness exam may also seem unnecessary. But there are a number of preventable illnesses and conditions that start small and don’t present symptoms right away, like heart disease. In addition to providing important health screenings, an annual wellness exam is an opportunity to boost your health through vaccinations, weight management, and support services and referrals for healthy living. 

As we age, our bodies change and the risk for certain health problems may increase. An annual wellness exam is an opportunity to keep track of vital health factors and make any necessary changes as early as possible.

The benefits of annual wellness exams 

Think of your annual wellness exam as an investment in your health, which includes prevention as well as access to the tools to achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. Some of the essential health screenings and services you can expect at your annual wellness exam include:

• Blood pressure readings
• Cholesterol screenings
• Vaccinations
• Medications
• Weight loss and weight management
• Depression and mental health support
• Help with alcohol and substance abuse problems
• Tobacco cessation
• Diabetes screening and management
• Cancer screenings
• Bloodwork
• Osteoporosis screenings

If you have a family history of certain health problems or diseases, an annual wellness exam is especially important to help you manage your personal risk factors. Even if you haven’t been to the doctor in years or are in good health, a check-up is a great way to assess your overall health and make improvements if necessary.

For more information about preventive medical care and what to expect at your annual wellness exam, contact us today to schedule an appointment.