Should a Physical Be on Your New Year's To-Do List?

Is better health on your list of New Year’s resolutions? What if, instead of blindly following a new diet or exercise regimen, you had real data backing up your efforts? Real knowledge about why you feel more tired than usual or why those extra pounds don’t seem to budge?

An annual physical helps our experts at Church Street Medical Center and Aesthetics in Lenoir, North Carolina, catch any conditions or deficiencies early, giving you the best chance at optimal health. 

In this blog, our team shares a few of the many reasons a physical should be on your to-do list in the new year.

A physical can reveal deficiencies or imbalances

Many New Year’s resolutions focused on health are built on assumptions. An annual physical replaces guesswork with concrete information about your body. 

For example, a sluggish thyroid could be the reason behind poor focus and weight gain. Unless you get tested, the symptoms persist, and no amount of vitamins or minerals can help.

With the information gained during your physical, your provider can make your health goals more targeted and realistic, and your problems are more likely to find solutions.

A physical can help catch problems early

A significant benefit of an annual physical is early detection. Many conditions develop quietly, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or blood sugar imbalances are examples of issues that can go unnoticed for years. 

Early detection also allows for simpler interventions, often involving small lifestyle adjustments rather than medications.

A physical can help manage preexisting conditions

Whether you’re at risk for certain conditions or have already received a diagnosis and are taking medication, an annual checkup is the perfect opportunity to track changes and make necessary adjustments to protect your quality of life. 

In some people, preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, can gradually impact other parts of the body. An annual checkup can reveal, for example, whether your eyes are experiencing the effects of elevated blood sugar.

Learn more about the importance of an annual physical

Physicals are a great tool for people who already have a diagnosis and may need regular checkups to optimize their treatment plans, as well as for people who are healthy and want to ensure continued good health. 

To learn more about how an annual physical can give you peace of mind and protect your quality of life, schedule an appointment by phone or online at Church Street Medical Center and Aesthetics today.