What to Expect During a Routine Physical

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.