Physicals

What are physicals?

Physicals are a broad-reaching term used to describe a visit to your doctor for a comprehensive exam. These exams have a number of different purposes. For example, some schools, sports teams, and employers require physicals to make sure the individual is healthy enough for certain activities. 

Some of the physicals Curry Family Medicine offers include:

• Annual wellness exams (for adults, children, and geriatric patients)
• School physicals
• Sports physicals
• Medicare annual wellness visits
• Well-woman visits
• Employment physicals (drug testing)

Curry Family Medicine also offers STD testing, whether as part of a wellness exam or when symptoms arise that need attention.

Whether you or your child is required by a third party to get a physical or you’re looking for a way to be proactive about your health, regular physicals are a means to make sure any health conditions are caught early when they’re easiest to treat. 

What should I expect during a physical?

Exactly what your physical includes depends on the type of physical you need. All physicals at Curry Family Medicine include talking about your current health and health history, plus a physical exam to check for high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other health issues. Beyond that, your physical may include specific portions based on the type of physical you need. 

For example, some sports physicals require a short duration of physical exertion to see how your or your child’s cardiovascular system performs under increased stress. If your employer requires a drug test as part of your physical, you provide a blood or urine sample. Curry Family Medicine lets you know what to expect before your physical so you can prepare and so you feel comfortable during your appointment. 

What happens during a well-woman visit?

As a woman, it’s important to keep your reproductive system healthy. During your well-woman exam, your Curry Family Medicine practitioner may perform a Pap smear to screen you for cervical cancer and carry out STD testing, such as for HPV (human papillomavirus), which may cause genital warts or cervical cancer. This physical is also an opportunity to talk about any female-specific issues like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, abnormal bleeding, or birth control.

Whatever type of physical you need, don’t hesitate to schedule it by calling Curry Family Medicine or book online.