Physicals

Routine physicals help protect and maintain your health as you age. At Wesleyan Medical Practice in Owensboro, Kentucky, Dr. Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, performs head-to-toe physical exams for men and women over age 17. Dr. Doolin-Thompson uses physicals to assess your health and identify early signs of disease or illness. Call Wesleyan Medical Practice or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about physicals. 

What are physicals?

A physical exam is a routine health assessment. This head-to-toe exam allows Dr. Doolin-Thompson to monitor your health, identify early signs of disease, and intercept health complications from existing conditions. Physical exams also help your care team track your health as you age, so they have accurate information about your medical history.

Why do I need a physical?

Physical exams are preventive health screenings that help you maintain good health as you age. By identifying early your health risk factors and early signs of disease, physicals minimize your need for costly, invasive treatments in the future.

Regular physicals also give you an opportunity to connect with your primary care team. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, nutrition, new or worsening symptoms, or mental health challenges, you can talk to Dr. Doolin-Thompson during your visit.

What happens during physicals?

When you arrive for your appointment, the team records your height, weight, and vitals (blood pressure, respiration rate, and temperature). Most physical exams include two equally-important parts: a medical history review and a physical assessment:

Medical history review

During the medical history review, the team looks over your immunization records to see if you’re due for vaccines. They also ask questions about your family history, diet and lifestyle, medications you’re taking, and past injuries, surgeries, and illnesses. The team also asks whether you’ve experienced new or worsening symptoms.

Physical exam

Dr. Doolin-Thompson checks your eyes for signs of discoloration and uses an otoscope, a special light, to look inside your ears and nose. Next, she uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. Palpating your abdomen allows Dr. Doolin-Thompson to ensure your organs are the correct size and in the right position. Finally, she tests your reflexes and muscle strength.

How often do I need physicals?

Dr. Doolin-Thompson and the team recommend scheduling an annual physical once a year to maintain your health and identify concerns when they’re easily treatable. You may also need a physical when you start a new job or play for a competitive sports team.

Call Wesleyan Medical Practice or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about physicals.