Life expectancy in the United States doesn’t compare well with other countries, in large part because of rising rates of preventable disease. A new year brings fresh motivation to take control of your health, and an annual physical is one of the easiest ways to start.
Your yearly checkup does more than update your medical record. It serves as a preventive tool to catch minor issues before they become bigger problems. For example, many conditions — such as high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, and diabetes — start quietly with no symptoms.
A physical can uncover these early and give you the chance to address them right away. It also helps us follow changes over time and guide you toward long-term good health.
At Keven Tagdiri, MD, in Encinitas, California, we use your annual physical to provide a clear picture of your overall wellness, spot early signs of disease, and create a personalized plan to keep you healthy all year long.
Whether you’re coming in for your first physical or your 50th, knowing what to expect helps you feel confident and prepared. Here’s what happens at a typical annual physical.
Your visit typically starts with a conversation about your health history. We ask about your:
This part of the exam sets the foundation for all that follows. Be honest and thorough, because we use this information to understand your risk factors and tailor recommendations to you.
Next comes a check of your vital signs and health markers, including:
These measurements offer quick clues about your heart health, metabolism, and overall condition.
We then perform a head-to-toe exam. That includes listening to your heart and lungs, checking your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, examining your abdomen, assessing your joints and muscles, and evaluating your skin.
The physical exam helps identify anything unusual that may require follow-up testing or treatment.
Depending on your age, medical history, and risk factors, your annual physical may include screening tests to look for early signs of common health conditions. Typical screenings may include:
We use blood to check your cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid function, liver and kidney health, and more.
A urine sample enables us to quickly detect infections or kidney function issues.
These include mammograms, Pap smears, prostate exams, and colon cancer tests.
We may recommend bone density scans in older people (particularly women after menopause) to detect osteoporosis.
Mental health is as vital as physical health, and the two are closely linked. Studies show that people with severe mental health problems are more likely to have multiple physical disorders.
We typically evaluate patients for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns, plus early signs of dementia in older patients. We explain which tests you need and why they matter. Not everyone requires the same procedures every year, so we always personalize your screenings.
A significant part of your annual physical focuses on your daily habits; nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, and substance use all play vital roles in your long-term health.
During your visit, we talk about simple, realistic changes that can help you feel better and lower your risk of chronic disease. Common topics include:
Instead of giving you a long list of rules, we focus on helping you build healthy habits that fit naturally into your routine.
Your annual physical is the perfect time to make a plan for the coming year. Maybe you want to lower your cholesterol, lose weight, improve your energy, or manage a chronic condition more effectively. We work with you to set goals that are clear, achievable, and meaningful to your life.
Once your exam and tests are complete, you receive a summary of your results and our recommendations.
If you need follow-up care, such as additional testing, medication adjustments, or referrals to specialists, our office helps coordinate everything. We encourage you to reach out anytime you have questions or notice changes in your health.
Your annual physical gives you valuable insight into your health and empowers you to make informed decisions. Call Keven Tagdiri, MD, to schedule your routine physical or request an appointment online today.
