Thinking about going in for annual physical exam? According to Medlineplus, all adults should see their health care provider for regular 
checkups. Getting annual checkups is an important part of staying healthy. Biggers Family Medicine, which is located in Brandon, FL, offers comprehensive physical exams to their patients. Here are five reasons why getting an annual checkup is so important.
1. Screen for Diseases
Screening tests play a major role in preventive medicine and are an important part of annual checkups. Even before risks are identified and symptoms are recognized, screening tests help to detect diseases in their early stages. Many illnesses are highly treatable when detected early.
2. Prevent Health Problems
Annual checkups allow your primary care physician to review any changes that have occurred over the last year and encourage healthy choices. Your healthcare provider can help you identify risk factors that increase your risk of diseases and offer advice on how to manage them. Your healthcare provider is a valuable asset in your goal of remaining as healthy as you can be.
3. Update Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not just for children. It is also important for adults to receive recommended immunizations to protect against serious, preventable illnesses. All adults need to be immunized against diphtheria and tetanus. Depending on age and health, some patients may also need protection against influenza, measles, hepatitis, chickenpox, rubella, and streptococcal pneumonia.
4. Refill Medications
An important task done at annual checkups is managing and refilling medications. It takes time to figure out which medications patients are taking, check for drug interactions and monitor for possible harms. There's a reason why prescription medications are not available over the counter; a trained primary care physician must oversee their use.
5. Advice & Guidance
Annual checkups gives primary care physicians in Brandon, FL, the opportunity to discuss and counsel patients on aspects of their lifestyles that are affecting their health. Topics that may be covered include injury prevention, exercise, nutrition, substance abuse, and safe sex practices. This counseling is an important part of the exam and it's vital that patients listen carefully and discuss the obstacles and changes that they face.
It’s time to take charge of your health! Call Biggers Family Medicine at (813) 655-4646 today to schedule an appointment for your annual checkup in Brandon, FL. It's no secret that healthy living and early detection of illnesses not only add years to your life, but also improve the quality of your life. We want you to live the best life possible!