#1: Making the most of your annual physical

What you’ll learn: Join us as we dive into the often-overlooked star of our healthcare journey: the annual physical. Inova's Dr. Childress, a dedicated primary care physician, shares insights on how this vital checkup is more than just a routine appointment. It's a powerful opportunity to cultivate a lasting relationship with your doctor and establish a solid foundation for your health. Together, we'll explore how to make the most of this visit. Featured guest:Dr. Marc Childress PhysicianInova Primary Care Key takeaways with chapter markers:Why your annual physical is key to your health and shouldn’t be missed [1:08]How coming prepared with questions can uncover important issues [5:22]Why this is the time to discuss your health goals for the coming years – from immunizations and cancer screening to lifestyle issues like sleep, exercise, alcohol consumption and smoking [8:10]The importance of depression screening and how to talk to your doctor about you mental health [9:21]How self-care – rest, exercise and eating well – are still the most powerful medicine [16:52]FAQsWhat is primary care?Your first point of contact for your overall health and wellbeing – primary care doctors help you prevent diseases, manage long-term conditions like diabetes, treat common illnesses and injuries, and can refer you to specialized care when needed.What should I expect at my annual checkup?This comprehensive appointment, typically between 20 and 30 minutes long, is an opportunity for your doctor to get to know you better and establish a baseline for your health. During the visit, you’ll undergo a physical exam, which may involve checking your heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs. Additionally, your doctor will review your recent health and family history, discuss your lifestyle habits and recommend any necessary screenings. Overall, this visit helps outline your care plan for the upcoming years.Who should get an annual physical?Annual physicals, or checkups, are recommended for people of all ages, though the frequency and focus changes with age. For children and teens, annual checkups are essential for monitoring growth, development and mental health. For adults ages 18 to 39, yearly physicals help establish a health baseline, encourage healthy habits and identify risks early. For adults aged 40 and older, annual physicals can focus more on screenings for cholesterol, early signs of diabetes and various cancers.