12 VITALITY Fall 2024 Your annual physical is an opportunity to talk face-to-face with your health care provider. You may have a lot on your mind before this important annual wellness checkup. But when you finally get to the appointment, you may have only a few minutes to ask all your questions and address your concerns. It can be stressful, and it’s easy to forget what you wanted to discuss. Here are six ways to get the most out of your annual exam, with tips on how to prepare for it, what to do during it and how to use the information after it’s over. 1 Plan your questions. In the weeks before your checkup, identify your three or four most important questions—and write them down. General questions might include: ● Am I due for any vaccines? ● What can I do to help prevent common health conditions? ● Where can I get help for a mental health issue? ● What changes can I make to eat healthier? ● How can I be more physically active? If you’re having any screenings or tests, you might ask: ● What’s the purpose of this test? ● What are the risks or side effects? ● When should I expect the results, and how will I get them? 2 Set goals. It’s a good idea to go into an annual exam with health goals to discuss with your provider. Establish a baseline Your provider can more easily identify future changes in your health so you can address them quickly. Prepare for your Why annual wellness visits are important Improve health Your provider can help you identify ways to improve your health and give you resources to help. Annual wellness visits and physical exams focus on prevention. You and your primary care provider (PCP) will review your overall health, identify risks and determine ways to stay healthy. Here are a few reasons to see your provider annually. These goals should be related to your most important concerns. Common health goals can include: ● Losing weight. ● Quitting smoking. ● Overcoming a specific symptom, like getting dizzy on walks. 3 Invite someone you trust. Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend. They can help remind you of your concerns or take notes during the visit. 4 Pack a bag. Gather all your prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements in case you are asked about them. If you’re seeing a provider for the first time, bring as much information about your Things to ask your provider
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