Physical

Physical means something that is related to the body as opposed to mind, spirit or soul. It can also mean the examination of the body that physicians and other health care providers do to determine the physical fitness of an individual.

Annual physical examination

The annual preventive visits or physicals can help you avoid problems in the future. The annual physical exams can uncover problems that may or may not be symptomatic such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar etc as these may not have any symptoms in the early stages. A simple blood test can check for these conditions.

Physical examinations can also be purpose driven such as:

• Pre-employment physicals
• School physicals
• Immigration physicals
• Medicare annual wellness exams
• Life insurance physicals

What happens at annual physicals

You healthcare provider will go over your medical history, do a physical examination and order any tests that might be appropriate, screen for medical problems, and counsel on prevention, offer vaccinations and schedule follow up visits to name a few. You provider may also ask about past medical and surgical history (experiences with illnesses, hospital stays, operations, allergies, injuries, and treatments)

• Current medications and supplements (including calcium and vitamins)
• Family history (review of medical events in the beneficiary’s family, including conditions that may be hereditary or place the beneficiary at risk)
• History of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use
• Diet
• Physical activities

Benefits of physical examinations

All adults should visit their provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• Screen for diseases
• Assess risk of future medical problems
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations
• Maintain a relationship with a provider in case of an illness

Also see

Glossary of physical examination

Physical Resources
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