Physical Examinations
Rationale & Instructions
In the present time, the
concept of health has evolved beyond mere absence of illness. Optimal well-being
encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects, emphasizing the need for
proactive measures to maintain and enhance one's health. A cornerstone of these
measures is the regular physical examination, a comprehensive evaluation of an
individual's body systems, performed by a healthcare professional.
This section delves into
the significance of physical examinations which serve as a fundamental tool in
preventive healthcare. While advanced medical technologies have revolutionized
diagnostics, the human touch remains invaluable in assessing overall health. A
physical examination1 provides insights into a person's baseline
health status, detecting potential issues before they escalate into more
serious conditions. By evaluating vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart
rate, and respiratory rate, as well as conducting a thorough examination of
bodily systems, a healthcare provider can identify early signs of chronic
diseases, metabolic disorders, or infections that might not be evident through
routine tests alone.
This check-up serves
several purposes:
·
Early Disease
Detection: Many health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain
cancers, can develop silently without overt symptoms. Regular physical
examinations provide an opportunity to detect these conditions in their early
stages, when interventions are most effective.
·
Health
Maintenance: Even when feeling well, a comprehensive physical examination can
identify minor issues that may not yet be symptomatic but could benefit from
early intervention. This proactive approach contributes to the maintenance of
overall health and prevents potential complications.
·
Health Promotion:
Physical examinations enable healthcare professionals to offer guidance on
preventive measures, healthy lifestyle choices, and recommended screenings
based on an individual's risk factors. These discussions empower individuals to
make informed decisions about their health.
·
Establishing
Baseline Data: By undergoing regular physical examinations, individuals
establish a historical record of their health, making it easier for healthcare
providers to track changes over time and detect deviations from their baseline.
In the pursuit of
well-being, proactive health management plays a crucial role. Regular physical
examinations are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare2, providing
a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health status beyond what routine
tests can offer. Through early disease detection, health maintenance, promotion
of healthy habits, and the establishment of baseline data, physical
examinations empower individuals to take charge of their health and make
informed decisions. The frequency of physical examinations depends on one’s
age, risk factors, and current health status. While opinions vary, some general
recommendations are:
·
Once every 3
years if one is under the age of 50 and in good health. This can help monitor one’s health and catch any potential problems early3.
·
Once a year once
one turns 50. This can help screen for diseases that become more common with age, such
as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease3.
·
More often if one
has a chronic disease or a
elevated risk of developing one. This can help manage one’s condition and prevent complications or
worsening symptoms3.
The outline of distinct
aspects of physical examinations is divided into two parts. The first part
(General Appearance) allows for self-assessment since the needed information
could be obtained by consulting online tools, employing over the counter devices,
or simply by self-observation. Information for the second part, which includes
all other examinations, should be derived from a primary care provider through
office visits or using recent personal health records.
Finally, the outline is
rich in technical details to bring about patient awareness of what could be
expected from the healthcare provider during the physical examination. The
information encourages higher level communications, hopefully leading to better
care delivery.
1 Physical
Examination: Purpose, Preparation, and Procedure (healthline.com)
2 Elder, A.T., McManus, C., Patrick, A., Nair, K.,
Vaughan, L. and Dacre, J. The value of the physical examination in clinical
practice: an international survey. Clin Med 17, 490-498 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.17-6-490
3 How Often Should You Get Routine
Checkups at the Doctor? (healthline.com)
"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus