3 Surprising Benefits of an Annual Physical

Keeping you happy and healthy.

You probably already know that you should see your doctor once a year. But do you know why? Here are some benefits you might not have guessed.

1.) Save money.

In most cases, addressing a health issue in the early stages will be much less expensive in the long run. For example, maybe you’re at risk for developing diabetes, but don’t know it yet. If your doctor catches this at your annual physical, you could change your diet and avoid the disease altogether. This could end up saving you an average of $9,601 a year!

2.) Build a relationship with your doctor. 

There are two big benefits to having an established primary care doctor. First, let’s say you develop some kind of low-grade health concern. Instead of waiting until it’s really bad, you can message or call your doctor’s office right away and ask them about it. Secondly, when your doctor treats you, they’ll have a better understanding of who you are as a person, your lifestyle and your health history. This helps them provide more accurate diagnoses. It also means they’ll  have a better idea of what treatment options will work best for you.    

3.) Take the time for a mental health check. 

Life moves fast. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to miss changes in your mental health and not get the help you need. This can have a big impact on your physical health. At St. Luke’s, a mental health screening is part of every annual physical. This gives you the opportunity to slow down, reflect on how you’re really doing and talk to your doctor about how you can address any issues.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your doctor will likely check your weight, blood pressure and other vital signs at your physical. They may also order some tests, such as blood work or a urine test. It's also an excellent time to discuss any health concerns you may have or changes you've noticed in your body.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call 218.249.4000 or request an appointment online to establish care at Aspirus St. Luke's.