Physical Exams
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Lyons Family Medicine
Zachary Lyons, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician located in Glenside, PA
Most people visit their doctor when they’re sick or experiencing troublesome symptoms. However, it’s important for your doctor to see you when you’re feeling well to evaluate your overall health to better treat you when you’re not at your best. To ensure you’re taking care of your body, annual physical exams are a valuable tool in tracking your health and well-being. To ensure you keep your body functioning at its best and to experience the enhanced care experience offered through his concierge program, call the Glenside office of Lyons Family Medicine: Zachary Lyons, MD or use the convenient online consultation request tool today to speak with a Membership Advsior.
Physical Exams Q&A
Why do I need physical exams?
Physical exams serve as an opportunity for Dr. Lyons to evaluate your overall health. When your body experiences changes, physical exams serve as a baseline recorded with Dr. Lyons to compare. Many medical issues may arise without apparent symptoms, like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Physical exams let Dr. Lyons identify any minor issues before they become a pressing medical need.
What should I expect from physical exams?
Your physical exam serves as preventive care and a chance to catch any issues before they arise. With that in mind, during your annual physical exam, Dr. Lyons will:
Measure your height and weight
These measurements can provide a baseline, as drastic weight fluctuations can be a sign of illness.
Check your vital signs
Your vital signs include your blood pressure and heart rate, which can be especially important to track for people with a family history of heart disease.
Review health concerns
Now is the time to discuss any new and chronic symptoms and give Dr. Lyons an honest assessment of how you feel, both physically and mentally.
Review your medical care preferences
Your annual exam offers the opportunity to review how you feel about your treatment in the case of an emergency. You can use this one-on-one time with Dr. Lyons to define your choices and ask questions. For instance, what is your stance on blood transfusions or resuscitation?
Assess your environment
Do you work around harmful chemicals or live with a smoker? Is your job or home life stressful? Knowing these environmental factors can help Dr. Lyons assess and reduce your health risks.
Review your medications and vitamins
Discussing any supplements, medications, and vitamins helps Dr. Lyons avoid prescribing medication that could cause dangerous drug interactions.
Discuss your family medical history
To build a comprehensive and personalized health assessment, Dr. Lyons needs to understand your family history. Come prepared with information about any medical conditions afflicting your family members.
Complete the physical exam
Dr. Lyons will evaluate each organ system in your body, including, for women, a breast and pelvic exam and a genital and prostate exam for men.
Identify any necessary tests and screenings
Dr. Lyons may order further tests like blood work or screenings like a colonoscopy based on your physical exam.
What should I bring to my physical exams?
Bringing the proper paperwork and information to your physical exam can be helpful to Dr. Lyons as he evaluates your health and creates your treatment plan. Please bring the following:
- Current medication and allergy list (including vitamins and herbal supplements)
- A list of symptoms and details around their occurrence
- Results from prior tests and lab work
- Any measurements, including blood pressure, weight, or blood sugar
- Medical and surgical history
- Questions you may have
- A list of your current doctors, including contact information
Stay healthy and to experience the enhanced care experience offered through his concierge program, call or use the convenient consultation request tool today to connect with a Membership Advisor.
