Why You Should Start Your Year With an Annual Exam

Are you prone to chronic illnesses like diabetes? Is your cholesterol trending upward? Should you start cancer screening now? Are you living a healthy life? Do you need more exercise? You can find answers to all these questions by starting the year with an annual exam.

Kadie E. Leach, MD, is a board-certified internist and primary care physician who has been providing outstanding medical services for the Washington, DC, community for 30 years. Her expertise includes managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Her passion involves utilizing top-level medical skills to prevent debilitating diseases from affecting your overall health and well-being.

Dr. Leach recommends taking advantage of the many health benefits of an annual physical exam.

What happens during an annual physical?

Unlike a visit you schedule when feeling ill or needing a medication refill, an annual physical allows the extra time Dr. Leach needs to evaluate your past and current health as she maps a strategy for preventive care.  

During your visit, Dr. Leach reviews your exercise habits, nutrition, lifestyle, work and home environment, and family medical history to gauge their impact on your health. She also takes time to ask about your emotional well-being, how you handle life stressors, and any symptoms or concerns you may have.

The detailed physical Dr. Leach conducts during an annual exam allows her to identify early signs of disease. For example, she may discover a concerning skin lesion, an elevated blood pressure reading, a suspicious lump, or other health risks in their earliest stages when they’re easiest to treat. 

She recommends screening lab work that may include various blood tests or urinalysis to calculate your current health status at a metabolic level. The results also provide a baseline for comparison with future labs. 

Based on your age, gender, and history, she may prescribe further diagnostic studies such as a mammogram or colonoscopy and update your vaccines as necessary.

What happens after an annual exam?

Once all the test results are in, Dr. Leach creates a personalized health management and prevention strategy to meet your needs. For instance, she can calculate your risk of developing diabetes and suggest changes now that can help prevent its development.

She also discusses her findings and explains her proposals for future care. Your plan may include cancer screenings, treatment for current conditions, and recommendations for a healthy diet, exercise routine, and other lifestyle habits.

Why choose a primary care physician for an annual exam?

Establishing yourself with a primary care physician creates long-term benefits, including a trusting relationship with a health professional who knows your history. This familiarity often speeds up the diagnostic process, leading to quicker treatment and faster healing from disease or injury.

As your primary care internist, Dr. Leach can manage all aspects of your health care. This may include routine sick visits, careful management of chronic conditions, and referrals for specialty care.

Get a healthy start in the new year. Schedule an annual physical with Dr. Leach today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.