Physicals are one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of chronic health problems. Routine checkups with your primary care specialist can alert you to potential issues while they’re easiest to treat. At Care Clinic Plus, Drew Larkins, DC, offer physicals to people of all ages. Whether you need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical for work, Coast Guard physical or a sports physical to remain active in your school or intramural league, the providers can help. To make an appointment in Orlando, Florida, call the office, or book online today.
request an appointmentWhat are physicals?
A physical exam assesses your general well-being. It’s a routine checkup designed to catch acute and/or chronic health problems early when they’re easiest to treat.
It’s important to undergo regular physicals, even if you feel healthy. Occasional visits to Care Clinic Plus can provide peace of mind and ensure you live a long, active, and healthy life.
What do physicals involve?
The providers at Care Clinic Plus perform physical exams onsite in their comfortable and welcoming offices.
Though no two physicals are exactly alike, each checkup features five specific steps, including:
1. Checking your vitals and having a discussion about your lifestyle
At the beginning of a physical exam, your provider measures and weighs you, listens to your heart, and checks your respiratory rate.
They also ask about your lifestyle, including if you smoke or drink alcohol, how often you exercise, and the type of diet you eat. Make sure to answer these questions as honestly as possible.
2. Completing an exam
Next, your provider conducts a comprehensive exam. During the exam, they look at your skin for any unusual moles or growths; examine your ears, eyes, nose, and throat; gently palpate your organs to assess their health, size, and position; and check your muscle strength and reflexes.
3. Checking on immunizations
Depending on your age and medical records, your provider might also recommend immunizations. Immunizations help your body defend itself against harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
4. Getting lab work
Lab work analyzes samples of your blood, urine, or saliva to gain insights into your health. Some of the most common lab tests include complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. Your provider orders lab tests that align with your needs.
5. Having sex-specific screenings
Physical exams often include sex-specific screenings, like Pap tests or prostate exams. These procedures try to identify cancer in the early stages of development, allowing for improved treatment outcomes.
What are the types of physicals?
Care Clinic Plus offers several types of physicals, including:
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals (for commercial drivers)
- School physicals (for children and teens)
- Sports physicals (for athletes and other physically active people)
- Coast Guard physicals (for active-duty Coast Guard members)
If you need a specific type of physical, make sure to let your provider know. Following the exam, they can fill out any paperwork that you need to submit to your employer, school, or sports league.
How often should I schedule a physical?
Care Clinic Plus urges everyone to schedule a physical exam at least once a year. Even if you’re healthy, physicals present an opportunity to ask questions, build a relationship with your primary care provider, and gain insights into healthy living.
What’s more, they can alert you to potential issues early on, improving your quality of life.
If it has been more than a year since your last physical, book an appointment at Care Clinic Plus by calling the office or scheduling online today.