The New Year is officially here, and that means it’s time to focus on your resolutions. According to the 2024 Forbes Health/OnePoll, the vast majority of resolutions focus on health, including weight loss, improved diet, and improved fitness.
Starting your year with an annual exam here at Walker Family Care in Little River, South Carolina, could complement your wellness-related resolutions.
Here are eight benefits of starting the year off with an annual exam, courtesy of Dr. Rogers Walker.
During your annual exam, Dr. Walker establishes your health baseline. A baseline consists of your current health status as well as your potential for future health issues.
During your exam, Dr. Walker reviews your medical history, conducts a physical examination, and may order relevant tests. This comprehensive assessment is a snapshot of your physical and mental health and helps identify any potential concerns that may require attention.
This snapshot may be used to compare health trends year over year, but it’s also useful if you come in for a sick visit.
Through screenings, blood tests, and physical examinations, Dr. Walker can identify risk factors and potential problems before they escalate. Early intervention can lead to more effective and less invasive treatments. For example, if your blood work reveals that you are prediabetic, lifestyle changes can help reverse your prediabetes diagnosis without any need for medications or injections.
Based on the findings of your annual exam, Dr. Walker creates a personalized preventive care plan. This may include vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle recommendations.
If you’re already managing an underlying condition 一 such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis 一 Dr. Walker evaluates your current treatment plan to make sure it’s still working for you.
This may involve medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or additional support to better control and manage chronic diseases.
Take advantage of your annual exam to discuss lifestyle changes that you’d like to make in 2024, and consider tying in your health goals as part of your New Year’s resolutions.
Dr. Walker can offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, weight management, and other lifestyle factors that may benefit you the most. Establishing healthy habits early in 2024 sets a positive tone for the months to come.
Your mental health and physical health are intricately connected. During your annual exam, discuss any mental health concerns, stressors, or emotional challenges you may be facing. Dr. Walker can offer support, resources, or referrals to mental health professionals if needed.
Regular annual exams foster a strong doctor-patient relationship. Consistent check-ins with Dr. Walker create a more comprehensive understanding of your health history and goals. This relationship allows for open communication, trust, and collaboration in managing your health over the long term.
Last 一 but certainly not least 一 scheduling your annual exam can help you feel empowered as you take control of your health. Because it’s also a good time to ask questions about your healthcare, you leave your appointment feeling educated and empowered.
When you’re ready to schedule your exam, give us a call at 843-280-8333. You can also schedule your appointment in our Little River, South Carolina, office by clicking here.
