The annual physical has long been billed as key to staying healthy.
National Library of Medicine.
Heres what our panel of doctors had to say.
So, how often do you really need a physical?
So many people, including physicians, have different ideas about this.
And what I do with my patients at that visit is review any age-appropriate cancer screenings and blood tests.
a board-certified family medicine physician and District Medical Director at One Medical in North Carolina
We also always review medications, supplements, andother substances.
We update any other elements of the patients history, too.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Physical exams do increase the likelihood of a healthier lifestyle and identification of chronic illnesses.
We havent really found that annual exams save lives, but they do actually improve health.
So its a really nuanced argument.
The simple answer is every year.
Your health is really your store of gold.
Its through your health that youre going to live this life.
a board-certified family medicine physician and District Medical Director at One Medical in North Carolina
And even if youre generally feeling fine and symptom-free, its wise to keep routine checkups on your calendar.
Routine visits are particularly important if you have a chronic condition.
The simplest option is to schedule appointments annually or at least every other year.
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A meta-analysis of annual physical examination and all-cause mortality in adults based on observational studies.
2022 Aug;161:107130. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107130.
Epub 2022 Jul 3.
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