Preventive Medicine: The Importance of an Annual Wellness Check

Going to the doctor’s office when you aren’t sick can feel like a waste of time, especially when you’re busy! But getting an annual wellness check is one of the best ways to prevent illness, take charge of your health, and improve your overall wellness. 

At Triad Internal Medicine, in Asheboro, North Carolina, our board-certified providers Keung Lee, MD, PhD, MHA, and Chelsea Poe, FNP, want to help you live your life to the fullest, and that means taking full advantage of the health benefits tied to preventive medicine, including your annual physical.  

Here’s a look at our preventive medicine services, what you can expect from your annual wellness check, and the lesser-known benefits that come with proactive, preventive treatments.

What is preventive medicine?

Preventive medicine means stopping illness before it starts, keeping you healthy, and managing any long-term conditions. At Triad Internal Medicine, our providers do this with a focus on physical exams, including:

• Annual wellness checks and physicals (including general physicals, sports physicals, and physicals to receive a commercial driving license)
• Disease screenings (including for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer)
• Vaccinations and boosters
• Reviewing overall health strategies (including diet, exercise, sleep, and a reduction in alcohol and smoking)

You can call or book an appointment online, or speak with your provider about which kind of services are the most beneficial for you.

Why is an annual physical exam important?

An annual physical at Triad Internal Medicine gives you an overall understanding of your health and wellness. From there, you and your provider can address any concerns and determine if preventive measures are needed. 

Some of the ways we assess your health care needs include: 

• Reviewing your family history and health status
• Establishing your health baseline through key measurements, including height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
• Getting up to date on vaccines
• Scheduling important health screenings

Having an annual check-in with your provider also brings many lesser-known benefits. Here’s a look at some of these advantages and how you can take full advantage:

1. Tell your provider about changes to your health and lifestyle

A lot can happen in a year! Whether it's a change in your insurance coverage, new information about your medical history, or a visit to see a specialist, your annual exam is a great opportunity to update your provider about any changes to your health. 

It’s also a great time to address any problems you’re having with your medications. Let your Triad Internal Medicine provider know if you changed supplements, vitamins, or need to refill a prescription. 

2. Get up to date on your vaccines and screenings

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and prevent long-term health problems is to stay on top of your health screenings and immunizations. 

Let us know at your annual exam if you’re due for an update or are uncertain about what you need. Our providers review your history and symptoms and recommend the best fit for you. 

3. Get ahead of any concerns for long-term health

Six in 10 adults in the US have a chronic illness or disease. However, many of these health issues have hidden symptoms and require screening and tests for a diagnosis. 

Your Triad Internal Medicine Provider uses your annual exam to:

• Review your risk for chronic illness
• Assess any health changes since your last exam
• Evaluate if your lifestyle is contributing to increased risk
• Make a personalized plan to manage or reduce that risk 

Chronic illness can cause severe long-term health problems, and in the US it’s one of the leading causes of disability and death. It can be scary, but when you come for your annual physical, you are giving yourself the tools you need to take control of your health.

4. Ask questions!

No question or concern is too small when it comes to your health, especially since fewer than half of the 133 million Americans with a chronic illness are actually getting the treatment they need. 

You know your body best, and you know when something is different. Your Triad Internal Medicine provider can help you navigate even the smallest of symptoms, including: 

• An increase in anxiety or depression
• Changes to your sleep schedule
• Headaches, strains, or new physical stress
• Changes to your skin or sight
• Any shift in your bathroom routine

It’s also common for people to be concerned about their weight, so don’t be afraid to speak with your provider about it. Most American adults are overweight, but this is not just a matter of diet and exercise—it can also be a symptom of other health problems, including thyroid disease. 

It’s time to take a preventive, proactive approach to your health with an annual physical. Call or go online to schedule an appointment with Triad Internal Medicine in Asheboro, North Carolina.