Physical Exams Q&A
What are physical exams?
Physical exams are routine checkups that allow your Dayton Family Medical Clinic provider to assess your overall health and well-being. You may get a physical exam at the beginning of your appointment when you visit Dayton Family Medical Clinic for a specific problem or as part of your annual wellness exam.
What is the purpose of a physical exam?
The team at Dayton Family Medical Clinic performs physical exams to monitor your health and make sure your body is performing as it should. These exams help prevent disease by ensuring you’re up to date on vaccinations and by detecting early signs of medical conditions, such as diabetes, before they develop into serious problems.
What does a physical exam involve?
What happens during your physical exam depends on a variety of factors, such as your age and the purpose of your visit. In general, most physical exams include:
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Updating your medical history
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Checking vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate)
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Observing your overall appearance, movement, and speech
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Listening to your heart and lungs
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Palpating parts of your body, such as the abdomen
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Testing your reflexes and motor functions
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Checking your skin, hair, and nails
Additionally, your Dayton Family Medical Clinic physician may take laboratory tests, such as blood work, and any screening tests you may need.
What screening tests might I get in a physical exam?
Routine screening tests are an essential part of preventive care. The tests you need depend on your age, biological sex, and risk factors for disease.
Tests for women
Women ages 21-65 need regular breast and pelvic exams. The pelvic exam may include a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. After age 40, women should also get mammograms to screen for breast cancer and bone density scans for osteoporosis starting at age 65.
Tests for men
Men may get a testicular exam at any age. Prostate cancer screening may also be necessary for men with a strong family history of the disease.
Tests for both men and women
The team at Dayton Family Medical Clinic screens both men and women for common medical conditions, including:
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Diabetes
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Unhealthy cholesterol
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Colon cancer
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Lung cancer
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Depression
They also make sure you get the scheduled vaccinations you need.
For personalized physical exams for the whole family, call Dayton Family Medical Clinic or book an appointment online today.
