I Feel Good. Do I Still Need an Annual Physical?

You might wonder, “If I feel good, do I still need to see my primary care provider for an annual physical?” The answer is yes!

Feeling great and staying active are absolutely indicators of good health, but they don’t tell the whole story of your wellness. Annual physicals play an important role in helping you stay in the peak of health and preventing future issues—even when you currently feel fine. 

At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, Dr. Syed Saidi and our board-certified internal medicine providers are committed to helping patients in the Houston area stay healthy through proactive, preventive care. 

Our team understands that annual physicals help us catch potential health issues early, when they’re most treatable. They also give you a comprehensive overview of your health and set you on the way toward long-term wellness. 

Take a moment to learn why annual physicals are essential even when you feel fine, what  benefits they provide, and what you can expect when you come in for an appointment.    

Why annual physicals are key for optimal health

Annual physicals are more than just routine visits to check off your to-do list—they are important tools for preventive care. 

Here are some key benefits of having a yearly physical, no matter how you’re feeling right now:

Detect health issues early

One of the most significant advantages of annual physicals is the early detection of health problems. 

Many serious conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, can develop without noticeable symptoms. 

Regular check-ups allow your Integrative Primary Care provider to identify and address these issues before they become severe, improving your chances of successful treatment and management.

Establish a health baseline

During your annual physical, your provider records your vital statistics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. 

These metrics create a baseline for your health, allowing for year-over-year comparisons. Tracking these changes helps identify trends and concerns that might not be apparent with symptoms alone.

Get personalized wellness advice

Your annual physical is a great opportunity to discuss any health concerns or questions with your provider. 

Whether it's advice on nutrition, exercise, or managing stress, your provider can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific health profile and lifestyle.

Take preventive health care steps

Preventive care is the cornerstone of maintaining excellent long-term health. Annual physicals are a key part of this, helping you and your provider stay ahead of potential health complications. 

To this end, during your physical, your Integrative Primary Care provider makes sure your immunizations are up to date and recommends appropriate health screenings (e.g., cholesterol checks, cancer screenings) based on your age, gender, and medical history. 

Your provider also assesses your risk for different health conditions based on your personal history, family history, and current overall health. This allows your Integrative Primary Care team member to create a personalized plan to optimize your health. 

Build a trusting relationship

A provider who knows your health history can offer more tailored and effective care. Regular visits to your provider help build a strong doctor-patient relationship. 

This trust is important for enabling open communication and helps make you feel comfortable discussing sensitive health issues. 

What you can expect during an annual physical

Knowing what to expect during your annual physical can help you prepare and make the most of your visit. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during an exam at Integrative Primary Care:

Recording vital statistics

The first step is to record your vital statistics, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. These metrics provide valuable information about your overall health and help track changes over time. 

Comprehensive physical exam

Your Integrative Primary Care provider also performs a thorough physical examination, assessing one or more of the following (depending on age):

• Cardiovascular health 
• Lung function
• Cognitive function 
• Motor function and reflexes 

During the exam, your provider also asks about any health concerns or symptoms you might have noticed, making sure they focus on areas that matter most to you.

Autonomic nervous system scan 

At Integrative Primary Care, one thing that sets us apart from other practices is our use of an autonomic nervous system scan to get a comprehensive picture of your health. 

This noninvasive scan assesses the function of systems that operate automatically, or “on their own” without you consciously thinking about it, such as:

• Heart rate and blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Metabolism/metabolic functions
• Digestive system.
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Sweating, urination, and defecation

This detailed scan helps identify problems like neuropathy and heart failure, providing important information for early intervention.

Learn more about the importance of your physical exam by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, today.