Physical exams for school or employment
What you need to know about getting a physical for school or a job
- A physical exam is a checkup that can allow your doctor to evaluate your overall health and look for certain conditions
- Even if you feel well, experts recommend getting a physical at least once a year to make sure that you don’t have a hidden health problem that may cause issues later
- Physicals may be required to perform certain jobs or participate in school activities
- During a physical, your doctor will ask you health questions and examine different parts of your body
- Important vital signs, such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, will also be measured
WHY WOULD I NEED A PHYSICAL?
A thorough physical exam helps your doctor understand your health history and your current state of health so that you can be more informed about how certain activities could affect you. If you have an undiagnosed health condition or if your history suggests you are at higher risk of certain medical issues, it may not be safe for you to perform the tasks of your job or play sports safely. Getting a physical can also let you, your doctor, and your school or employer feel more secure in your body’s ability to handle the workload that a job or school activity requires. Sometimes a very case problem that would not otherwise be detected is found during a job physical or a physical for school. In these cases, a physical exam can be life saving.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A PHYSICAL?
Your doctor will use special instruments to look into your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. He or she may also look at your skin, check the motion of certain joints, and press gently on your abdomen or other parts of your body. Your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other vital signs may be measured. Depending on your medical history and the results of your exam, your doctor may order blood tests or screenings to get a more complete picture of your overall health.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Plan ahead and be sure to give your doctor all the information that you can. It’s important that you take the time to paint a full picture, telling the whole story. Keep a daily record of your mood and response to any medication, reporting any trends to your doctor. Click here for more patient information.
About AVALA Care
The AVALA Care team is here for patients of all ages. We treat patients from the age of 16 years old. While AVALA Care specializes in managing and preventing a variety of health conditions, patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should consult a doctor who specializes in prenatal care for the duration of their pregnancy. Read more about AVALA.
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To learn more about how we can help you on your journey to wellness, contact us today. A representative will be in touch shortly.