Get a healthy start to the new year with an annual physical

The start of the new year is a great time to reset, take charge and set new goals. And when it comes to goals, health and wellness is often at the top of new year’s resolutions.

An annual physical helps you track your current health and set goals for the future.

“First, if you don’t have a regular primary doctor, this is a great time to get one and establish that relationship,” said Patrick Railey, M.D., Chief, Primary Care, Piedmont. “If you have health or fitness goals on your list, a primary care doctor can help you identify areas of your health that may need more attention than others, and that can start at your annual physical.”

What to expect

During the physical, your doctor will assess your overall health with a full-body exam, checking your blood pressure and weight. Discuss needed vaccines and your family health history to help guide your care plan. Going through medicines and supplements you may be using for interactions and necessity is another focus.

Your doctor may order blood or urine tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and detect conditions like diabetes or cancer.

“An annual physical is not only a proactive investment in helping to set health goals, it’s equally important – if not more important – in the prevention of long-term health issues,” Railey said. “Touching base with a health provider yearly allows early symptoms of new conditions to be identified because of that established relationship.”

For young athletes

For young athletes, it's also a good time to schedule sports physicals before the spring season begins.

A sports physical is usually brief and checks key areas for participation, including vitals, vision, flexibility, and medical history. A fitness assessment may also be performed to determine potential physical limitations.

“One of the most important components of the visit is a screening and examination for cardiac conditions that could affect sports participation,” Railey said.

With same-day appointments and minimal wait times, one of Piedmont QuickCare’s 25 locations makes getting your physical quick and convenient.

Schedule sports physicals with a primary care physician or at one of 75 Piedmont Urgent Care locations through MyChart. They can also be scheduled by calling any one of the locations directly.

Make your appointment for a physical now as a new year goal. To find a Piedmont location near you, visit piedmont.org.