Wellness Exams
A wellness exam is one of the best ways to make sure that your health stays on track. It’s a periodic checkup that allows your doctor to monitor your health and spot any potential problems early.
What to expect
When you book a wellness exam your doctor will start by taking a brief medical history and asking about any health concerns you may have. This is also a good opportunity for you to mention any new medical issues that may have cropped up in the past few months.
Depending on your age and past medical history your doctor may ask you about:
- Diet and nutrition
- Smoking
- Exercise
- Sexual health
- Vaccinations
After taking a history your doctor will carry out a physical examination that includes listening to your heart and lungs, measuring your blood pressure and heart rate. All of this information is used to get a better idea of your current health.
Many patients find the wellness exam reassuring. It allows you to monitor or track your health over time and use the feedback received to make positive lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you with this.
How to prepare for a wellness exam
No special preparation is needed for a wellness exam. However, it can be helpful to remember the following:
- Bring a list of any questions you may have to ask the doctor.
- If any of your family health history has changed since your last check-up (ie. if a family member was recently diagnosed with a heart issue or other serious medical condition) be sure to mention this to your doctor.
Every wellness exam is a little different. Your doctor will carry out a wellness exam that suits your own personal health needs and circumstances. We encourage patients to speak to their doctor about any areas of concern regarding their health.