5 Important Questions to Ask at Your Next Physical Exam

Setting aside time for your annual exam is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Your physical exam is a time to assess your baseline health, get caught up with preventive screenings and immunizations, and discuss any concerns you have.

Dr. Asif Aziz, Guiselle Berry, FNP, and the team at Elite Primary Care, PA, encourage you to take an active part in your health by asking questions when you visit our office in Greenville, Texas. 

To make the most of your next physical exam, consider asking these five important questions:

1. How is my health overall?

Admittedly, this is a broad question, but it’s one that opens the window to many different discussions. Talking about your status quo can lead to a discussion about:

• How your current treatment plan for any chronic conditions is working
• Symptoms you’re experiencing 
• New conditions that may have arisen since your last appointment
• Whether your medication regimen is still appropriate 

This is also a good time to review any changes in your health numbers — for example, if your blood pressure has gone up, stayed the same, or decreased since your last visit.

2. Do I need any screenings?

Preventive screenings and tests help catch potential health issues early when they’re most treatable. Ask Dr. Aziz if he recommends any screenings or tests for your age, gender, family history, or lifestyle. 

Depending on your personal health history, family health history, and overall health, Dr. Aziz may suggest lab services to help rule out various conditions including:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• High cholesterol
• Cancer
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Seasonal threats such as the flu, strep throat, or COVID
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Lab services are available on site, so you don’t have to travel to a second location.

3. Am I at a healthy weight?

Carrying excess weight can increase your risk of several conditions, including joint pain, diabetes, hypertension, and some different types of cancer.

As primary care providers, we can assess your current weight, calculate your body mass index (BMI), and, if needed, help you reach your goal weight through a three-step medical weight loss program. 

4. What lifestyle modifications should I make?

Whether you’re overweight, you want to reverse a prediabetes diagnosis, or you’re trying to clean up your diet, lifestyle modifications can make a huge difference in your mental and physical wellness.

It’s not always easy to know where to start or which modifications are best for you. Ask for personalized recommendations on diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle changes. 

5. What can I do to support my mental health?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked. Take the opportunity to discuss any concerns or symptoms related to stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Dr. Aziz can offer guidance on coping strategies, therapy options, and when to seek additional support.

Stress, in particular, can wreak havoc on your physical health, so if you’re feeling stressed, speak up! 

Your mental health doesn’t just affect your physical health; it’s a two-way street. Some physical conditions — sleep apnea, thyroid disease, menopause, and andropause — can affect your mood. In these cases, treating the underlying condition can help improve your frame of mind.

A tip for your next appointment

These questions are just the starting point. You may have additional questions based on your circumstances. Regardless of how many questions you have, consider writing them all down before your appointment. Bring a pen to your appointment so you can jot down the answers, too!

You can also make a list of any concerning symptoms you want to talk about and your list of vitamins, supplements, and medications that you take regularly. 

Put your health first

Your physical exam is more than just a routine checkup — it's a chance to actively partner with your care team. To schedule your next physical exam, call Elite Primary Care at 903-437-9212 or click here to get started.