Christopher Blair, D.O., M.B.A.
(Citizen's Advocate newspaper September 22, 2006, p. 15)
after learning that they simply can’t remember their last full physical. At this time of
year, when school-age children are rushing in to get their sports physicals it's always a
good time to ask moms and dads to recall their own last checkup.
In school, nurses and administrators are there to help keep tabs on students, making
sure that they are up to date on immunizations, and that they get their annual medical
clearance to be able to put themselves through the physical and mental stresses of
competitive athletics. And for good reason; no one wants a young person to suffer an
injury or illness if it can be avoided.
But once graduated into adulthood, we have no good nurse or coach to remind us to
get our physical, or stay current on immunizations. It’s up to us. The annual physical
gives you and your doctor a chance to discuss not only your personal medical history,
but that of your family members as well. This helps to identify any problems or disease
traits that you may harbor, and any increased risk that you might have. And problems
that are identified early can be treated and sometimes eliminated before they get out
of control.
Did you know, for example, that untreated high blood pressure puts you at increased
risk for heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease? Undiagnosed diabetes can result in a
myriad of problems, not the least of which is deteriorating eyesight and possible kidney
failure. If that mole that looks like it has changed recently turns out to be skin cancer, it
could be easily removed, or if left untreated, it could eventually move deeper into your
body or spread to other areas. What about your immunizations? Tetanus shots are
only good for ten years. When was your last one? These are only a few of the reasons
that a thorough annual physical is important for adults.
Call MedComm Neighborhood Medical Care today at 972-745-4446, and schedule an
appointment with one of our board certified family practice doctors for an annual
checkup. Identifying and controlling healthcare problems today is key to avoiding
bigger problems tomorrow.