The Importance of Annual Wellness Exams

At Brookridge Internal Medicine Associates, P.A., Dr. Brenda Vozza and our caring team of Longview, TX family medicine practitioners are dedicated to helping you live a full, healthy life and take charge of your overall well-being. Without question, annual wellness checks and physical exams are among the most beneficial things you can do for your physical and even psychological health. With regular wellness exams, which are typically recommended yearly for patients who are otherwise in good health, you can boost your chances of detecting an underlying condition in its earlier stages, prevent new or worsening symptoms and conditions, and maintain a relationship with your physician that makes acute needs — like prescription refills and emergencies — easier to navigate when the time comes.

Is it really necessary to go to the doctor every year?

Many people — and in particular, young patients who have no known health problems — often wonder whether they really need to see a doctor every year. The answer is unequivocally yes — patients of all ages and degrees of health should continue to visit their doctor annually or as recommended by the provider. In some cases, such as when patients have a known personal or family history of a condition, are at an elevated risk for certain health problems, or otherwise, more frequent visits may be needed. For patients in good health who are considered at low or average risk, however, annual wellness exams are usually recommended. These visits provide an opportunity for patients to address any symptoms or concerns they may have, get an update on their overall health, and discuss strategies for long-term prevention of disease.

Why are you supposed to go to the doctor every year?

There are a number of benefits of adhering to your annual wellness exam schedule (or as often as is recommended by your doctor) when it comes to improving and maintaining your health. Some of the most compelling reasons to attend your yearly well check and/or physical exam include:

• Be evaluated for underlying conditions, like heart disease and cancer, on a regular basis
• Potentially catch disease and health problems in earlier stages when they may be easier to treat
• Learn more about risk reduction strategies for diseases or conditions you may have an elevated risk for
• Have an opportunity to discuss any changes in your health and/or concerns you may have
• Receive a general update on your blood pressure, weight, BMI, and other measures of health
• Maintain an active patient relationship with our practice, which can make things like vaccines, sports physicals, prescription refills, or acute appointments convenient and simpler

What happens if I miss my annual well visit?

We strongly encourage patients to keep their regularly scheduled appointments for wellness exams and physicals, but we understand that life can take unexpected turns at times and that you may fall behind on your well checks or miss one altogether. If this happens, try not to worry, but do call us at your earliest convenience to reschedule your appointment so that you can complete your visit, learn more about your current health, and get the peace of mind you deserve.

Keep your family healthy and informed with yearly well visits in Longview, TX

Whether you have no known risk factors for disease and are symptom-free or you have a strong family history of certain conditions and want to discuss your options — or you're simply looking to take charge of your health and wellness — an annual wellness exam is one of the most powerful, yet convenient, tools you have at your disposal. Discover the many benefits of annual wellness exams for your family by calling Brookridge Internal Medicine Associates, P.A. to schedule your visit with Longview, TX physician Dr. Brenda Vozza today.