Annual Physicals Are Important

Featuring Miranda Hannah, MD - Morganton Internal Medicine

Getting an annual physical is no one’s idea of fun, but it can be a useful tool for staying healthy and catching issues before they become chronic.

“Physicals are necessary for proactive health management, allowing for early detection of diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure before symptoms arise,” said Dr. Miranda Hannah, a physician at Morganton Internal Medicine, part of UNC Health Blue Ridge. “These check-ups establish baselines, update vaccinations, and provide personalized lifestyle guidance. Regular, preventative exams improve long-term health outcomes and reduce costs.”

Depending on your risk factors, age, lifestyle, and family history, your primary care provider (PCP) may order a variety of blood tests and other screenings during your annual physical exam, including:

• Blood pressure screening, which measures the force of your blood against your arteries. “A reading that is lower than 120/80 is considered normal,” said Dr. Hannah.
• Cholesterol screening, which measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. In healthy patients with no risk factors, a total cholesterol reading of lower than 200 mg/dL is considered normal. An LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, reading of less than 130 mg/dL, and an HDL, or "good" cholesterol, reading of more than 60 mg/dL is considered normal.
• Blood glucose screening, which measures the amount of sugar in your blood. An A1C reading of less than 5.7 percent is considered normal.

“These tests can identify underlying conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, even if you aren't experiencing symptoms,” said Dr. Hannah. “Your test results also enable your PCP to make recommendations for follow-up testing, as well as lifestyle, exercise, or diet changes that can help you improve or maintain your health.”

Your primary care provider is your health care partner. “An annual physical exam is a great way to get to know your PCP and allow your provider to get to know you,” said Dr. Hannah.

Key reasons to get a physical include:

• Early Detection and Prevention: Screenings can catch illnesses early (such as high cholesterol, cancer, thyroid disease) when they are most treatable, preventing serious complications.
• Updating Vaccinations: Keeps adults up to date on vaccines like the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis).
• Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Allows for ongoing management of existing health issues to prevent worsening symptoms.
• Building a Relationship with a Provider: Establishes a trusted relationship with a primary care provider (PCP), enabling better personalized care and a better understanding of your health history.
• Updating Health Goals: Provides an opportunity to discuss lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and mental health screenings for depression or anxiety.

Scheduling your annual physical exam might be the best thing you can do for your health.