What Is an Annual Wellness Visit?

Your body is exposed to a constant stream of bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, and other factors which can cause illness and disease. Some effects are cumulative, showing up more as you age. Annual wellness visits can help identify problems, so they can be treated quickly. Annual wellness visits can help keep you healthy.

An annual wellness visit should be performed every year by your primary care doctor. During your annual wellness visit, your primary care doctor will:

• Measure and record your height, weight, and body mass index to help you monitor your weight
• Check vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and breathing
• Check your vision and hearing to determine any signs of vision or hearing loss
• Administer recommended vaccinations including flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID
• Order blood tests and other lab work to monitor cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and other vital information
• Prescribe any necessary medications to help control underlying conditions like elevated cholesterol and blood pressure
• Order x-rays and other imaging studies to help diagnose underlying medical conditions

An important part of your annual wellness visit is education. Your primary care doctor wants to partner with you to help you achieve optimal health. At your annual wellness visit, your primary care doctor might recommend:

• Lifestyle modifications to include not smoking or drinking excessive alcohol
• Dietary modifications to include a heart-healthy diet of low fat and low sugar
• Exercise modifications to increase exercise to at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Medication modification to help you control diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other serious medical conditions

Life can be hard on your body, making it difficult to stay healthy. Annual wellness visits with your primary care doctor can help you maintain your overall health, so you can enjoy a long, active, healthy life. To find out more about annual wellness visits and how they can help you, call your primary care doctor today.