Women Get Your Annual Exam
Call it an exam, well visit, physical, or check-up, but regardless of what your call it, an annual visit to a primary care provider is very important for all women.
Women often put off visiting their healthcare provider because of fear of the unknown or because they feel too busy to make the time. However, an annual visit is an important part of maintaining one's health.
There are a number of reasons why all women should have an annual exam. First, regular consultations allow your healthcare provider to get to know you a little bit better especially when you are healthy. In this way, your provider will be better able to deal with your problems if and when they arise in the future. Second, a routine exam is important to make sure that everything is functioning normally. If problems are found, it is always important to detect them as early as possible. Third, it is important for women to have annual and routine screenings for problems such as diabetes, heart disease, as well as certain types of cancers, including cervical and breast cancer.
Finally, an annual exam is a great time for you and your provider to customize plans for your good health and safe living. You can discuss healthy eating, relationship issues, family planning and other important topics.
Getting the most out of your physical exam means being prepared. Bringing a list of current medications (this includes prescription medications as well as over-the counter medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements) and a list of problems you may be experiencing is very helpful.
You should also share your family's medical history and your own lifestyle habits such as smoking, exercise and diet. Sharing personal information can be difficult, but talking openly will help your health-care provider to make better decisions about what testing and examinations are needed or not.
Your healthcare provider cannot advise you appropriately if she is not given all of your pertinent and honest information. Remember everything you tell your provider is confidential. Her goal is to help you achieve optimal well-being.
It is also important to note that most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover the cost of an annual exam.
