Annual Wellness Exams Specialist

Primary Care & Family Care in Scotch Plains, NJ

Annual Wellness Exams

You know to schedule an appointment with your doctor when you’re sick, but do you keep up with your annual wellness exams? Annual physicals are important to your overall health and an essential component of preventive care. Pooja Mehta, MD, at Garden State Family Care in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, provides annual wellness exams to maintain optimal health. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Annual Wellness Exams Q & A

Why do I need annual wellness exams?

An annual exam allows your doctor to evaluate your health over time. Many medical conditions occur without symptoms, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Getting routine annual physicals gives the medical team a baseline of your health to easily identify health issues as they develop and before they become severe.

What should I expect during an annual wellness exam?

The goal of annual exams is to prevent issues before they occur. During an annual wellness exam, Dr. Mehta performs basic screening and lab tests. Your annual exam includes:

Height and weight measurements

Each annual wellness exam includes a measurement of your height and weight. Significant changes in your weight can be a sign of illness, so Dr. Mehta compares your measurements from year to year.

Vital signs

Dr. Mehta takes your vital signs, including your blood pressure and heart rate. Most people with high blood pressure don’t have symptoms.

Family medical history reviews

Every annual exam includes a review of your family’s medical history because genetics can increase your risk for some health conditions.

Symptom review

Your annual wellness exam is an opportunity to discuss potential symptoms with Dr. Mehta. If you have chronic symptoms or newly developing issues, or if you just want to ask questions about how to best maintain good health 一 the annual exam is the ideal time.

Medications and supplement review

Dr. Mehta keeps your medical records up-to-date with a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. That ensures Dr. Mehta avoids prescribing medications that may interact with other medications or supplements you take.

Physical exam

Every annual wellness exam includes a physical evaluation. Men’s physicals may include a prostate exam while women may receive a pelvic or breast exam.

Health screenings and tests

Depending on your age, health condition, and gender, Dr. Mehta may order various health screenings and tests, including blood work.

How should I prepare for an annual wellness exam?

While you can show up to your appointment as you are and without any preparation, you can help Dr. Mehta accurately evaluate your health with just a little preparation. Make and bring a list of:

Personal medical and surgical history
Family medical history
Current medication, supplements, and vitamins
List of any other doctors you see
Results from previous tests or blood work

Remember to review your list and update it with any new medical, surgical, or family medical history information since it was created.

Maintain good health and schedule your next annual wellness exam by calling Garden State Family Care or booking an appointment online today.