Comprehensive Physical Examinations
The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor’s visit. Here at Fowler Family Medical we will be thorough or brief, and will spend the time listening to your concerns.
The Importance of Routine Checkups
Routine checkups are important for everyone, no matter their age. Many jobs require physicals to ensure that employees are in good shape to carry out their duties. Many people also elect to have them done when they notice something seems wrong or different, or simply because it’s been a year.
Your regular doctor is probably the first place you go when you’re in need of a Routine checkup, and that works well for lots of people. Keeping your medical records updated with your doctor allows them to better prescribe medication and monitor any changes to your history. However, what happens when you need to be seen quickly and the doctor’s office can’t work you into the schedule? That’s where AFC comes in.
Why Choose Fowler Family Medical
We are a great option when you need a Routine checkup or other healthcare quickly. Our providers are capable of giving you the same comprehensive physical you’d receive in a primary doctor’s office. Our short wait times ensure that you can be in and out as fast as possible.
Physicals Should Emphasize Prevention
The annual physical exam is a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening:
- At age 50, it’s time to begin regular screening for colorectal cancer. People with immediate family members with colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to be screened before age 50.
- For some women, age 40 marks the time to begin annual mammogram screening for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start mammograms if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year while women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening. Women should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. There are different guidelines for breast cancer screening depending on your personal risk for getting breast cancer and whose guidelines you chose to follow. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin getting mammograms at age 40.
Healthy behaviors work far better than medicine at preventing illness, and don’t require a prescription:
- Do 30 minutes of brisk walking or other exercise most days of the week (or about 150 minutes a week). And add in some strength training at least twice a week. Your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer will fall dramatically.
- Eat a mostly plant-based diet, low in animal fats.
- Above all, don’t smoke.
How can patients prepare for their physical?
If you have a high cholesterol or blood sugar problem, then we recommend that you have your physical scheduled in the morning when you can fast at least 8 hours in order to obtain an accurate lipid panel. Fasting means you may have water and medications only. Otherwise you may schedule your physical in the afternoons without fasting. Bring your medications list with you. Update our staff with your immunization record and cancer screening record ahead of time or bring those records in.
Meet The Fowlers
Our administration and support staff all have exceptional people skills and are trained to assist you with all medical inquiries. Doctors will be available from 8 am to 4:30 pm, kindly call to confirm your appointment.
