For some people, having an annual Physical Examination is a source of reassurance that they’re as healthy as they feel. Others see it as an alarm system, to catch health problems before they become serious because of our changing Environment and Food we eat and to access the Risk of future Medical Problems. To know the importance of general routine checkup, the team of social diary took an exclusive interview of Dr. Reshma Aziz of Shifa International Hospital this week… So to have the complete information, have a look…!!!
Q: What is role “General checkup” play in our daily life? And important is it to have a good health?
The value of routine annual examination is Priceless that is why it remains a cherished tradition among many doctors and patients.
What can you expect from your annual physical exam?
Basics
The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor’s visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but he or she will spend time listening to your concerns and providing counseling for your particular needs. This is your chance to mention any complaints or concerns about your health. Your doctor will also likely quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive abuse, diet, and exercise. The doctor will also check on your vaccination status and update your personal and family medical history.
Mostly physician start with your cholesterol and diabetes screening, other than your vitals, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Temperature your doctor gathers a large amount of information about you and your health just by watching and talking to you. How is your memory and mental quickness? Does your skin appear healthy? Can you easily stand and walk? The doctor listening to your heart with a stethoscope guides them if there is a presence of Heart or Lung diseases.
The examination continues with throat and tonsil examination. The quality of your teeth and gums also provides information about your overall health.
Ears, nose, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid, and carotid arteries may also be examined.
Abdominal Exam
Your doctor can use a range of examination techniques including tapping your abdomen to detect liver size and presence of abdominal fluid, listening for bowel sounds with a stethoscope, and palpating for tenderness.
Neurological Exam
Nerves, muscle strength, reflexes, balance, and mental state may be assessed.
Dermatological Exam
Skin and nail findings could indicate a dermatological problem or disease somewhere else in the body.
Extremities Exam
Your doctor will look for physical and sensory changes. Pulses can be checked in your arms and legs. Examining joints can assess for abnormalities.
The above examination for ALL gender. However, there are specific tests for Male and Female.
For Male,
An annual physical exam for men might also include:
Testicular exam: A doctor can check each testicle for lumps, tenderness, or changes in size. Most men with Testicular Cancer notice a growth before seeing a doctor.
Hernia exam: Checks for a weakness in the abdominal wall between the intestines and scrotum.
Penis exam: A doctor might notice evidence of sexually transmitted infections such as warts or ulcers on the penis.
Prostate Exam: The doctor feels the prostate for its size and any suspicious areas.
For Female,
A woman’s annual exam might also include:
Breast exam: Feeling for abnormal lumps may detect breast Cancer or benign breast conditions. The doctor will also check the lymph nodes in the underarm area and look for visual abnormalities of the breasts and nipples.
Pelvic exam: The pelvic exam allows examination of the vulva, vagina and cervix. Routine checks for infections are often done. A PAP and HPV Test can screen for cervical cancer and help assess risk.
