Can you believe that 2025 is officially here? Now is the perfect time to reflect on your health and set goals for the months ahead. Though many people might choose big wellness goals like “lose 50 pounds” or “run a 5K race,” don’t discount one of the simplest goals you can set for yourself: Schedule your annual physical.
Think of it as a yearly tune-up for your body — a tune-up that can help you catch potential issues early and stay on track for a healthier future.
Below, Dr. Rogers Walker, Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, and the team here at Walker Family Care team explain how your annual physical in Little River, South Carolina, can help protect your health into the new year.
An annual physical isn't “just” a check-up—it’s a proactive step in managing your health. During this visit, Dr. Walker or Physician Assistant Gilbert assesses key markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and your baseline fitness. This helps detect any underlying conditions before they become major concerns.
Prevention, early detection, and early intervention are always better than treatment after a condition worsens. For example, if you’re diagnosed with prediabetes during your annual exam, this gives you a chance to make changes to avoid a full-blown diabetes diagnosis. That’s right, you can reverse a prediabetes diagnosis with the right steps, and it’s your annual exam that can help you spot issues like this early.
Your exam is also an opportunity to discuss any changes in your health, whether it’s new symptoms, lingering concerns, or family medical history updates. This information helps Dr. Walker recommend the right screenings based on your family and personal health history.
During your physical, our teams perform a series of routine checks, including:
Depending on your age and medical history, you might get tests for diabetes, cholesterol, or thyroid levels. Dr. Walker or Physician Assistant Gilbert can also recommend the right cancer screenings based on your health history.
Now that you know why exams are important and what happens during one, let’s talk about why it’s important to include it as part of your New Year’s plan to make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
If you’re on a mission to get healthier this year, then your first step should be your annual exam. Dr. Walker or Physician Assistant Gilbert can review your health goals with you, and if needed, sign off on any new exercise or dietary changes you’d like to implement this year.
When you schedule and attend your annual exam, you set a good example for other family members, including your significant other and your children.
Because one out of every three men said they don’t believe they need a physical exam, you can help inspire others to take action through your own actions. You could help save the life of your buddy by encouraging them to schedule their own exam.
Even if you feel fine, some health issues, especially hypertension, develop silently. Dr. Walker or Physician Assistant Gilbert can identify early warning signs and recommend steps to prevent future problems.
An annual physical helps you monitor changes in your health over time. It’s especially useful if you’ve been working on fitness goals or managing a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes.
Regular visits strengthen your partnership with Dr. Walker or Physician Assistant Gilbert. Open communication with our team leads to better, more personalized care.
Your annual physical is a small investment of time with a big payoff: peace of mind and a clear path toward better health. Make the call today — you can reach us at 843-280-8333 — and set yourself up for success in the year ahead.
You can also use our online system to book your physical exam.
