The Various Components of a Wellness Exam
Although many people find themselves scheduling an appointment with their
primary care team when they aren’t feeling their best, having routine
physicals is an important part of preventative care. When you head to
your doctor's office for a routine check-up, here's what you can
expect during your exam.
Checking Your Vitals
During your exam, your primary care doctor will check your vital signs.
Depending on your specific health condition and existing concerns, this
may happen annually or every few years.
Typically, this will include checking your:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
Physical Exam
After checking your vitals, your doctor will move onto the physical portion
of your exam. When doing your physical, your doctor may look at and touch
various areas of your body to look for any abnormalities or causes for concern.
This may include:
- Using a stethoscope to listen to your heart, lungs, and abdomen.
- Looking in your eyes, nose, ears, and throat.
- Feeling various areas of your body for lumps or bumps.
- Tapping on your abdomen to check for organ placement.
Vaccines
Although vaccines are often thought of as something that helps protect
children, they also
help protect adults from preventable diseases. During your exam, your doctor will be able to determine which vaccines
may be right for you, depending on your age and your health risks.
Cancer Screenings
Another important component of your wellness exam is performing routine
screenings for certain cancers. Depending on your individual risk factors,
your doctor may
screen you for the following types of cancer:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Lung cancer
If you have any additional health concerns, it is recommended that you
reach out to your primary care team to discuss what other forms of preventative
care options may be right for you.
Contact Kirby Medical Center
At Kirby Medical Center, we are dedicated to helping our community learn
how to stay healthy and safe. If you are concerned about your health risks
and the types of vaccines that are right for you,
contact Kirby Medical Center at 217-762-2115 to learn more about how we can assist with all your healthcare needs.