Start the New Year Off Right with a Preventive Physical

There’s no better way to kick off a new year than by checking in with our team at Primary Care Walk-In Clinic. Annual physicals are a great way to get the peace of mind you’re healthy and not at risk for serious health complications.

Annual preventive physicals are also an effective way to stay focused on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and learn more about what you could be doing now to preserve your long-term health.

The many benefits of a preventive physical

A preventive physical is a routine health evaluation you schedule even when you’re feeling fine. The purpose of this physical is to ensure your body is functioning properly at every level.

Another benefit of a preventive physical is the opportunity for our physicians to identify potential risk factors for health issues that could arise at a later time. These risk factors may be due to your genetic background, your family history, or your existing health.

For instance, if your family has a history of diabetes, our providers can order diagnostic blood tests to evaluate your blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels can indicate you’re at risk for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

This information is valuable to you and our medical team when making decisions about your health. The results of your physical also give you the opportunity to make changes to your diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk for developing chronic diseases and related complications.

Other reasons for a comprehensive physical

In addition to knowing you’re healthy and thriving, the physicals available at Primary Care Walk-In Clinic also meet the requirements of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and other organizations.

Before you renew your driver’s license, start a new job, or sign your child up for sports, you may need proof that you passed a physical exam. This exam ensures the ADOT or other organization that you’re healthy enough to participate in certain activities. They also confirm that any existing health issues you have don’t put you at risk for injuries or accidents.

Our Primary Care Walk-In Clinic medical team offers a wide range of specialized physicals including:

• ADOT physicals
• Sports physicals
• School physicals
• Pre-employment physicals
• Well-baby and well-child physicals

You can also schedule your routine physical exam every year, even if you don’t have existing medical issues or changes in your health.

What you can expect during your preventive physical

Each preventive physical at Primary Care Walk-In Clinic begins with a review of your personal and family medical history. Our providers also take time to discuss your health since your last physical, as well as any noticeable changes you’ve experienced or health concerns you have.

Other aspects of a preventive physical include:

Physical exam

A physical evaluation of your body is next. During this exam, our physicians check important details about your health, such as:

• Weight
• Height
• Vision
• Hearing
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature

To identify potential issues in your major organs, they feel your abdomen for signs of swelling or tenderness. Our physicians also check your skin for suspicious growths, rashes, and infection.

Preventive screenings 

On-site diagnostic screening services are available to assess your bone density, your blood glucose (sugar) levels, and your cholesterol. 

These tests are especially important if you have a family history of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Our team also offers hormone level testing in-office to identify hormone imbalances.

Lifestyle and dietary evaluation

Your preventive physical is also the ideal time to discuss options with our team for improving your general health. They can provide you with resources to lose weight, increase your physical activity, and improve your muscle strength and bone.

If it’s been longer than a year since your last preventive physical, call the Primary Care Walk-In Clinic nearest you, book an appointment online, or visit the clinic as a walk-in today.