Annual Physicals

Checking in on your health is essential even when you don’t show signs of disease or illness. At Sparkman Family Medicine in Shenandoah, Texas, Chris Sparkman, MD, Tabatha Mize, FNP, and the team conduct comprehensive physicals for patients of all ages. Annual physical exams offer a safe, effective, and affordable way to track and monitor your health as you age. Call the family medicine practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more. 

What are annual physicals?

Physicals are comprehensive exams that track and monitor your health. An annual physical allows the care team at Sparkman Family Medicine to identify health concerns early when they’re more likely to be treatable. 

Annual physicals are preventive visits. Rather than scheduling an appointment when you're feeling ill, annual physicals proactively assess your overall health and well-being.

Do I really need annual physicals?

Everybody benefits from regular physicals. The need can vary depending on your age, health status, and disease risk factors. Many patients benefit from yearly exams, while others need more frequent visits to maintain optimal health and wellness. Some only need to schedule a physical once every 2-3 years if they have no underlying medical concerns. 

Dr. Sparkman and the care team may recommend annual physicals or more frequent exams if you:

• Have a chronic disease
• Take multiple prescriptions
• Have a family history of chronic conditions
• Struggle with mental health concerns

At Sparkman Family Medicine, the team works with you to establish a baseline for your health and develop an individualized care plan that incorporates regular physicals and checkups. 

What can I expect during and after annual physicals?

Every physical exam begins with recording your height, weight, and vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and temperature). Next, the team reviews and updates your medical history. To better assess your health, Dr. Sparkman and the team may ask about your:

• Diet and exercise regimen
• Lifestyle habits (whether you smoke, drink, etc.)
• Current and past prescriptions
• Supplements
• Mental health
• Stress level
• Sexual health
• Family health history

The physical part of the exam is a head-to-toe evaluation. The team uses a slit lamp to look inside your ears, eyes, nose, and throat. They also use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. The team also palpates (touches) your abdomen. This step checks for swelling to ensure the correct organ size and placement. Your provider may also test your reflexes.

How do annual physicals change with age?

As you age, Dr. Sparkman and the team may recommend more frequent physicals to address age-related health concerns like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. 

While the recommendations may vary depending on your health status and risk factors, aging adults typically benefit from osteoporosis screenings, cognitive function tests, and functional assessments that younger adults usually don’t experience.

Call Sparkman Family Medicine today or schedule a physical exam online to learn more.