The annual physical is a safe and easy way to ensure your health is managed to your satisfaction. To get the most out of your exam, you should prepare your family medical history and a list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Depending on your age, there are different things to pay attention to and ask your doctor during the yearly exam.

Cancer Screening
According to Mary Pickett, MD., cancer screening is the most vital part of the physical exam as it helps diagnose and treat cancer at an early stage when it is still treatable. So if you have a family history of cancer, you may ask the doctor about what types of tests are available and at what age they are typically performed. For women, a pap smear, a mammogram and breast examination for the early diagnosis of breast cancer should be performed yearly.

Men should ask the doctor for testicular examination and digital rectal screening of the prostate, including antigen testing.

People should routinely scan their skin as well, and those who have moles or lesions of any kind should ask the doctors about types of tests they can perform to ensure the problems are not cancer-related.

Vaccinations
An annual physical is a good time to ask about available vaccinations. Flu shots for adults working in high-risk environments, such as health care-related businesses, are available. There is also a new vaccine for whooping cough, and according to the Mayo Clinic, the vaccine should be repeated every 10 years, so adults may want to consider a booster shot.

Smokers and Drinkers
Additional precaution should be taken by adults who smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Smokers may want to ask the doctor if a lung screening is appropriate, especially if they are experiencing shortness of breath, coughing or are spitting up blood. Drinkers may ask about the necessity of a liver scan if they experience any belly pain, stomach swelling, nausea, vomiting or rapid weight loss.

Smokers and drinkers may want to ask the doctor for recommendations for lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise routines and methods of smoking and drinking cessation.

Preventative Actions
Even when perfectly healthy, you may ask the doctor for ways to maintain good health. Questions may include: What types of physical activity are recommended for a person my age? What type of diet and which foods would be to my benefit? What types of vitamins are recommended for me at this stage?



Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7463803_questions-doctor-during-annual-physical.html#ixzz2JHQ3Ytsb

Amazing article indeed with respect to medical queries. I was looking for the same one as I am interested to visit my doctor for an employment physical exam. Now I am fully aware of the things to be asked and discussed my health.