From an interview with
Dr. Stephanie Strickland
McLeod Family Medicine

Women are usually so busy taking care of everyone else that they don’t take time for themselves. Getting the preventive care you need is important for you and your loved ones, and it is the best way to stay healthy. That’s why you should schedule an annual appointment with your primary care provider for a complete physical.

Your doctor will personalize the appointment based on your medical history and guidelines for your age group. During your physical, your provider devotes time to thoroughly discussing your medical history, chronic issues, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. Along with your vital signs and other observations from a physical exam, this information helps your doctor determine whether you are at high- or low-risk for certain illnesses and what tests may be appropriate for you. When meeting with your provider, be honest about your current health levels, including smoking and/or drinking. It helps for accurate counseling and recommendations.

What Else Can I Expect?

At your annual check-up, your doctor will:

• Update your vaccines. Depending on your age, you may need a new vaccine or a booster shot.
• Order specific testing. Depending on your age, screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smear tests are necessary to help keep you on the road to good health. Your primary care physician can also help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Provide guidance on reducing your risk for disease. Your doctor can provide information and motivation to stop smoking, lose unhealthy pounds, or manage risk factors like high blood pressure.
• Manage your medications. Your doctor will make sure your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements don’t interact with each other. They can also help you manage potential side effects.
• Annual physical exams also allow your doctor to accurately update your electronic medical record, which you can track with your McLeod MyChart account.

To learn more, speak with a primary care physician near you.