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Start the New Year Right: 5 Reasons to Schedule Your Annual Physical

Start the New Year Right: 5 Reasons to Schedule Your Annual Physical

A new year is around the corner, and your calendar is quickly filling up with holiday shopping, get-togethers, and travel. While you might be tempted to wait until the festive chaos dies down, right now is the best time to schedule your annual physical exam.

At Shah Medical Center, our team specializes in preventive care, which begins with a routine checkup. This personalized visit allows us to address your specific health needs and identify areas for improvement.

Are you ready to start the New Year right? In this month’s post, we walk you through the top five reasons to make this essential appointment a priority.

Assessing your baseline health

In one study, approximately 25% of adults said they skipped regular checkups simply because they had no complaints. However, this is actually an ideal time to come in, as it allows us to record your current, healthy baseline for future comparison.

During your exam, we review your health history, check vital signs (pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure), and calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your height and weight measurements. Having this data on hand helps us track how your body is responding to life changes, stress, and the aging process, and it provides an accurate starting point for your New Year’s health goals.

Screening for hidden issues

Common health problems, like high cholesterol and hypertension, often present no obvious symptoms until they develop into serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses. To detect these issues early, your physical may include routine screenings based on your age, family history, and personal risk factors. 

Lab work can reveal hidden signs of heart disease, prediabetes, and nutrient deficiencies before they impact your life. Addressing minor issues today is always easier and less disruptive than treating a full-blown condition months or years from now.

Optimizing your lifestyle

You want to strive for a healthier lifestyle as part of your New Year’s resolution, but how do you get there? Sifting through generic, one-size-fits-all wellness advice can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure what’s really right for you.

After a thorough assessment, our team can provide personalized recommendations for nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management tailored to your unique health profile. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, improve bone density, or boost your energy levels, we work with you to create the personalized action plan you need to succeed.

Updating prescriptions and vaccinations

Don’t let seasonal illness get you down this winter — a year-end exam keeps you current on annual immunizations, such as the flu shot. Though we typically recommend getting these vaccines in the fall, it’s not too late if you haven’t received one yet.

For patients who take daily medications, our providers review your prescriptions, discuss any necessary adjustments, and order refills before the end of the year. Schedule your appointment early to avoid running out of essential medications during the busy holidays.

Beating the New Year’s rush

January is one of the busiest months for clinics across the country as patients rush to recover from the holidays and start the year off on the right foot. We’re happy to see you any time of year, but by booking now, you can beat the post-holiday scramble and secure an appointment time that fits conveniently into your schedule.

Get a head start on your health resolutions for the upcoming year. Call or click to book your annual physical at Shah Medical Center in Elgin, Illinois, and let us help you achieve your goals.

 

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