|
Everyone should have physical exams on a
regular basis. These exams are an important way to stay healthy and detect problems that
might go unnoticed until major problems have occurred. How often a person should have a
physical depends on his or her age.
Anyone
with a chronic medical condition, such as: cancer, a disease in which abnormal cells grow,
divide and can spread to other parts of the body diabetes, a disease that occurs when the
pancreas, the organ that makes insulin does not function properly. Without insulin, sugar
builds up in the blood and urine. hypertension, or high blood pressure coronary artery
disease, a disease in which the coronary arteries, the tubes that supply blood to the
heart, become clogged with a fatty substance, which prevents blood flow to the heart
hypercholesterolemia, or a high cholesterol level should talk to their doctor about what
the right schedule is for them.
Below is a basic exam schedule for healthy people: Healthy
babies should have a physical exam at birth, and again when they are 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15
and 18 months of age. From the ages of 2 to 18, the frequency of physical exams can vary
greatly. During this time, children need to be given certain vaccines, but the exact
schedule is not set. Children between the ages of 2 and 13 should see the doctor every 1
to 2 years. Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18, if not sexually active, should have
an exam every 1 to 3 years. Those that are sexually active need follow-up and a physical
exam every year. Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 should have a physical exam about
every 1 to 3 years. Those older than 64 should have a yearly exam.
Anyone with chronic problems, such as those listed above,
other medical concerns, or at high risk for developing certain diseases, should talk to
their doctor or healthcare professional.
 |
