David Sjostrand, NP, from West Valley Medical Group - Wilder, says you need an annual physical as a means of preventable care. Watch this video to learn why it's important to take care of yourself.
Health Screening & Wellness
They always say the best defense is a good offense and that goes double for your health. When it comes to staying healthy, prevention is key. And that means talking to your health care provider about health tests. Being informed and aware of your body, even when it's healthy, is one of the easiest ways to actively participate in managing your health. Just be careful not to go overboard. Fear-based decisions only exacerbate undiagnosed health issues.
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See All 3 AnswersIf you have a temperature of 96 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit and you are not suffering from any other signs of infection or illness, your normal temperature may just be lower than that of other people and does not always mean you’re sick.
However, subnormal temperatures may be the sign of health problems. Hypothermia is one of the more obvious symptoms of a subnormal temperature. A normal body temperature in a human registers at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Like your weight, your body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. Sustained periods of time in which you run a fever, or a higher-than-normal temperature, can indicate illness such as hyperthermia.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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See All 3 AnswersRegular medical checkups are important, even if people are feeling well, because they allow people to work together with their doctor on a plan to best promote their health. People can discuss the best diet and exercise plan, and make plans for any screening tests they should have to pick up any serious conditions that might not be causing symptoms yet. Some health conditions will not cause symptoms until they have already caused a permanent problem—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or the early changes that may lead to cervical cancer. Seeing a doctor regularly also helps people form a good partnership, so if they ever do develop a health concern, they can work together well to address it.
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The most common reason to check an oral temperature is to detect a fever or an elevation of body temperature. Sometime, women will check an oral temperture, using a special thermometer, first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, as part of a fertility awareness program. -
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An axillary temperature is a non-invasive mode of measuring body temperature. An axillary temperature is measured in persons who are unable to cooperate in the measurement of an oral temperature. For example, infants or young children who are unable to follow directions to hold the thermometer in their mouth. It also may be used for individuals who have experienced trauma or surgery to the mouth. Another indication for an axillary temperature is a person receiving oxygen via a facemask or individuals who are mouth breathers.
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An axillary temperature is measured in the axilla or armpit area. It is recommended to use a digital thermometer when taking an axillary temperature. To take an axillary temperature:
- Remove any clothing on the arm being used.
- Raise the patient’s arm.
- Make sure the underarm area is dry. If the individual has visible deodorant, powder or lotion in the area, it needs to be removed with a dry cloth.
- Turn on the thermometer and put a protective cover on the tip
- Place the thermometer under the arm with the tip of the thermometer positioned in the pit of the axilla.
- Bring the arm next to the body.
- Hold the thermometer in place until the sound signals it is finished.
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
- Clean the thermometer before putting it away.
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An oral temperature is the body temperature as recorded by a clinical thermometer placed in the mouth. Normal adult body temperature, as measured orally, is 98.6° F (37° C). Oral temperatures ranging from 96.5° F to 99° F and may vary depending on the person's physical activity, the environmental temperature, and that person's usual body temperature.
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredKnowing your resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure (BP) and other factors such as blood sugar levels and body composition are important things to be measured when getting cleared for a health and fitness program. These can provide measures of your success and help determine how you will modify your fitness program over time.
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Scripps Health answeredCardiovascular screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol and other markers should be conducted periodically. People in their 40s with high blood pressure will need regular follow-ups. -
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RealAge answeredSee All 4 AnswersA physical exam is an assessment of how healthy your body is currently, and a means of determining what might be causing any symptoms you are having and what medical problems you might be at risk for in the future. Physical exams might be done as part of a requirement for a new job or participation in organized sports, to monitor an ongoing medical problem you are having, or as part of a wellness check to get a status report on your current health. Physical exams are also an important way for pediatricians and other doctors to determine if a child is growing and developing normally.
A physical exam typically begins with a conversation between you and your healthcare provider, during which you explain why you are there and symptoms or concerns about your health that you have. You may share your family and personal medical history. To prepare for a physical exam it helps to bring with you medications (including nonprescription medicines and supplements) that you are taking, a list of symptoms (including when and under what circumstances they occur) and a list of questions you want to ask.
The information you share may help direct the physical exam. For example, if you are experiencing a rash, your doctor may pay particular attention to your skin. If your eyes are bothering you, your doctor may take extra time examining your eyes. In general, in a complete physical exam your doctor may:- take your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse
- use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs
- look in your eyes
- look in your ears, nose and throat
- check the color and appearance of your skin, hair and nails
- check your reflexes
- feel your abdomen
- do a pelvic and breast exam (in women)
- check for signs of prostate and testicular cancer (in men)
Having physical exams regularly is also a way to establish an ongoing relationship with your doctor so that when health problems arise, your doctor can build on what he or she already knows about your health to provide the best treatment possible.