WHY the HECK do I really NEED a Medical PHYSICAL?

Most of us go to our doctor annually. Whether work demands it for insurance renewal or the schools require children to receive updated shots and sports physicals. Regardless of the reason, in the US, there is a common understanding that each year you should visit a doctor to be told if everything is okay.

But, what do we really know about the physicals that are performed? We all know the routine: Your name is called, you are asked to stand on a scale and up against a wall…height and weight – CHECK. You are ushered into a room, asked what has changed since the last visit…patient history – CHECK; cuffed for your blood pressure – CHECK; given the lovely plastic cup for a urine sample – CHECK; after which, you return to said room to change into the hospital gown that was left for you for the physical - CHECK. Once completed, you are sent to the lab to sit with someone else that sticks a needle into your arm, places a band aide on the puncture and sends you on your merry way.

Physical over, right? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

What we all should realize is that the MEDICAL VISIT is JUST THE BEGINNING. When you go through all of these steps, shouldn’t there be a reason? And most importantly, shouldn’t you know what that reason is? The answer to both is a resounding “yes”. So, what’s the answer?

WHY COMPLETE AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL?

It’s great that our insurance companies, jobs and schools require physicals. But, if we never stop to ask why we are doing them then we are leaving our personal wellness and the wellness of our children blindly in the hands of others.

When we schedule a physical we should be going because we want answers.

· HEIGHT - Why should I care about how tall I am? Well, over time, with gravity fighting against us, our vertebrae are continually forced downward. If you start to notice that you are losing height, you may be suffering from postural imbalances or compressed spinal discs. If this is occurring, it’s already past time to sign up for PILATES REFORMER CLASSES to decompress your spine.

· WEIGHT – With the growing amount of obesity related issues, it’s no wonder that our weight is a number that we should watch. However, as weight creeps up, the standard suggestion is simply to eat healthier and exercise more. While these are great suggestions, they are very vague and can be extremely difficult to implement. So, as the scale begins to climb (but your days to increase height have stopped), you will want to look into FITNESS COACHING before chronic illness begin to climb too.

· BLOOD PRESSURE – Not many people can explain diastolic verses systolic pressure in the arteries and veins, but we all have an idea that it is important. Knowing these numbers and how far off you may be from the optimal 120/80 mm HG can tell you a lot about your heart health. After all, if it stops, so do you. Ranges outside of optimal can mean that you are ready for NUTRITION COACHING and a thorough explanation of what to expect.

· PATIENT HISTORY – Patient history tells a lot about why your body and its metabolism are functioning the way they are. Stress causes lots of metabolic malfunctions, daily triggers direct our decisions with very little thought and we find ourselves facing unhappy places that we have trouble maneuvering out of. Understanding what we go through each day and having someone help support and guide us along the way can be crucial in finding happiness. If you realize that listening to your own patient history causes you to notice patterns of issues, LIFE COACHING would definitely be helpful.

· URINALYSIS & BLOOD WORK – Most people have no clue what is tested once they turn in their required samples. But, this is one of the most important pieces of information. After all, you leave a portion of your body behind. So, you deserve to know the results of the tests. If you are fortunate enough to have a Functional Medicine Physician who has a goal of keeping you off of prescription drugs and maintaining your health and vitality, then your urine and blood work will be that much more exciting!! Included in your results will be all of the information about how well your body is actually functioning… on the inside:

o How clogged are your veins & arteries – a full panel looking at your cholesterol levels, including the particle size of the cholesterol and the types of sterols

o Is the sugar you are consuming at dangerous levels – Not just candy, but fructose levels (from fruit), long term ratios and possible gluten/celiac sensitivities

o Are your electrolytes in balance

o Is your immune system losing an internal battle – not just red and white blood cell information, but also antibody and allergy information

o Are your organs toxic, glands exhausted, or hormones failing– liver and kidney filtration, full thyroid and adrenal gland information, sex hormone status

o Are you deficient in nutrients – micronutrients, vitamins and minerals

Not only should we be looking for as much information as we can (requesting a full printout of results once they are in) but we should expect translation of these results once we have them. If you don’t have someone able to do that for you, now is the perfect time to start your Wellness Portfolio at the Verdurous Me Interactive Wellness Center (VMIWC).

VMIWC is dedicated to education. And education is the first step to you taking control of your doctor’s visits. So, the next time you schedule a physical you know exactly WHY the heck you really need a physical.

For more information on Wellness Portfolios and to schedule your FREE Consultation today, contact the Verdurous Me Interactive Wellness Center.

Verdurous Me Interactive Wellness Center
49881 Grand River, Wixom, MI 48393

248.229.4016
VERDUROUSME.COM