5 Important Questions to Ask at Your Next Wellness Visit

Annual wellness visits or physical exams are an important part of preventive medicine. They present an opportunity to build a relationship with your doctor, surface any potential concerns, and protect your health in the long term.

But because they typically take less than an hour and only happen once a year, it’s important to come prepared so you can get the most out of your visit. Board-certified family medicine physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, offers wellness visits to people of all ages at The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois. 

This article highlights five important questions to ask at your next appointment.

1. What screening tests do I need?

Many chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and diabetes, develop slowly over months or years, so they don’t always present obvious symptoms. 

Routine screening can help identify potential issues early, when they’re easiest to treat. However, everyone’s needs vary, depending on age, family history, and lifestyle. After reviewing your health history and completing an exam, Dr. Kacmar can make personalized recommendations, explaining how often you need each test and why.

2. Should I update my vaccinations?

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks associated with contagious illnesses, such as the flu and COVID-19. Children usually receive vaccines during their routine checkups, but for busy adults, it’s easy to fall behind schedule.

Even if you get a flu shot each winter, it never hurts to check on potential vaccines you might be missing. Dr. Kacmar can review your vaccine charts and make recommendations that align with your lifestyle and needs. It’s a quick and easy way to protect yourself, your family, and the community at large.

3. How is my lifestyle impacting my health?

When you’re young and healthy, lifestyle factors typically aren’t at the top of your mind. As long as you eat well, socialize, and get at least eight hours of sleep, you’re good to go. But that starts to change as you and your body age.

Weekly pizza night increases the risk of heart disease, while a lack of exercise and regular wine consumption can quickly cause you to gain weight and risk diabetes or worse. Living healthier can feel overwhelming, but personalized lifestyle guidance can make all the difference. 

After listening to your concerns, Dr. Kacmar can make actionable recommendations for improvement. 

4. Are there any warning signs I should watch for?

Chronic conditions tend to worsen slowly over time. The good news is that you don’t have to be a doctor to identify early warning signs. Changes in weight, energy level, or your ability to sleep through the night can indicate underlying issues, and you should share your concerns with your doctor. 

Dr. Kacmar can help you identify these changes and recommend additional tests or refer you to a specialist as needed. Paying attention to even subtle shifts in your skin or heart rate can help you live a longer, healthier life.  

5. Should I start preventive cancer screenings?

When you’re in your 20s, middle age seems like a long way off, but time flies. If you’re 40 or older, it’s time to start thinking about preventive cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. 

Everyone has different needs, but generally speaking, the sooner you start, the better. Catching cancer early on means it’s easier to treat and less likely to spread. Many people find cancer screening intimidating, but it’s the only way to assess your risk. Plus, modern technologies make it easier than ever to protect your health.

Schedule your next wellness exam today

If it’s been a year or more since your last wellness exam, now is the time to take action. Before you do, write these questions down and any others you have so you don’t forget them during your visit.

Schedule an appointment at The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine today by calling our staff or using the “Book online” button on this website.