Why Annual Exams are Important at Every Stage of Life

Your health care needs change slightly as you age, with preventive care becoming increasingly important as the years go by. A physical exam from your primary care physician gives you a comprehensive overview of your health and highlights the areas where you need to improve your habits as time goes on. 

New York City cardiology specialist, primary care provider, and concierge physician, Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, welcomes you into his office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan every year for a physical examination from adolescence through the final stages of life. Find out why you should prioritize annual exams regardless of your age and current level of health. 

Developmental tracking

During your earliest years, physical examinations can highlight developmental differences between yourself and your peers. This is also true as you go through life and hit health and wellness milestones along the way, like going through puberty as a teen or reaching menopause as a woman during middle age. 

The earlier you start getting physical exams, the more comprehensive of a record you have of your health. At any point, you and your physicians can refer back to early records from physical examinations and identify patterns in your health. This helps you better prepare for health and wellness concerns in the future. You can identify your baseline health measurements, such as your heart rate and blood pressure, so you know when these measurements are unusually high or low. 

Early diagnosis

One purpose of getting a yearly physical exam is to identify any early signs of illness that you might not catch on your own. Your physician looks for discrepancies in your health by comparing the results of your most current examination to past health examinations and records. 

Additionally, you can get screening tests during your annual exams as you get older. Screening tests are medical tests for certain diseases for which you are at risk. For example, you’ll need screening tests for lung cancer if you’re over 50 and have a history of smoking.

Proactive prevention

Dr. Graf doesn’t just send you on your way upon the completion of an annual exam. Instead, he goes over your measurements and the results of any tests you get, like biopsies or blood draws. He uses the information, and the information you give him about your lifestyle, to identify areas where your health could improve. Based on his findings, he can make personalized recommendations for dietary improvements, exercise, and other healthy habit improvements.

Dr. Graf’s concierge medicine program, Graf CCPHP, is focused on providing a personalized and proactive approach to the healthcare of its Members. With the convenience of same day, extended appointments and direct communication with Dr. Graf via cell phone and a custom telehealth app, Members enjoy a more attentive and collaborative relationship with their physician.

If you need any immunization updates during a particular year, your physician makes sure you get them at the correct time. Immunizations are injections that coach your immune system to prepare for infection and protect you against specific diseases. 

There are no drawbacks to getting annual exams at any age, but there are plenty of benefits to consider. Call our office to book your next physical with Jeffrey H. Graf, MD today or call (917) 460-7646 to learn more about Dr. Graf’s concierge program.