When you hear the word “physical,” you may think of hanabata days when you had to visit the doctor to get shots for school.  But a physical is more than just shots or a physical exam.  And both children AND adults can benefit from attending regular physicals. 

Why do we need physicals?

Adults

At Koʻolauloa Health Center, we highly recommend adults attend a yearly physical with your primary care provider (PCP). 

You may feel fine, but catching problems BEFORE they become serious means:

• Finding a problem when it is easier to treat (such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer)

• Saving you money

• Potentially saving your life

What happens at a yearly physical?

Meeting with your PCP

Measuring your weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure

Reviewing your medications, supplements, medical history

Physical exam – age-appropriate physical exam

• Women may also need: breast exam, pap test, pelvic exam

• Men may also need: prostate exam, testicular exam, hernia

Planning how to keep or get you healthy including:

• Updating vaccinations

• Blood tests

• Discussing cancer and other screening tests

• Discussing healthy lifestyle choices

Children (up to 18 years old)

At Koʻolauloa Health Center, we will help you determine how often physicals need to be scheduled for your child.  Typically, children are seen shortly after birth and then at months 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24.  And then they are seen yearly from ages 3 to 18 years old.

Children may look or feel fine, but catching problems and preventing diseases BEFORE they become serious means:

• They can do better in school

• They can grow taller

• They’re less likely to get sick

What happens at your child’s physical?

• Track their growth
  Catching growth problems early can help your child grow to their fullest potential.

• Monitor their development
  For school-aged children, things such as ADHD and bullying can be addressed.  Teens are screened for anxiety disorder and depression.

• Talk about how to stay healthy
  It’s important for your child to learn about healthy eating, regular exercise, injury prevention, and good sleep habits.

• Update vaccinations
  Years ago, children died from diseases such as measles and meningitis.  When your child comes for their physical, your provider will ensure they’re protected against both these and other preventable diseases.