A Tune Up for Your Superpowers
May 1 • 2018
From healing the bumps and bruises of little ones to juggling demands from all sides, moms have time and again shown that they can accomplish the impossible. And all before 5 PM. Just like the movies, an empowered woman can swoop in and save the day.
Even superheroes need tune-ups from time to time, but we’re not talking about adjusting the frequency of a bionic suit. We’re talking about a Physical Exam, also known as the ritual that can ensure your superpowers are in tip-top shape. And with March being Women’s Health Month, it’s only right that annual exams be placed at the forefront.
An annual assessment is a detailed inspection of your present state of health. The exam evaluates not only your general well-being but also checks for things you may not even feel– heart disease, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, major organ functions, osteoporosis, pelvic disorders, mental health, and even cancers such as liver, colon, breast, ovarian and cervical. Your provider will also incorporate your medical history and past results to put together a more complete picture of your health.
Factors such as age, health, family history, and lifestyle choices (e.g. how you eat, activity level, or if you smoke) will help determine which assessments or screenings you may need. For a woman, early check-ups often consist of mammograms, DEXA bone density tests, and blood work.
So what else makes up an annual exam? As mentioned before, mammograms check for any lumps or abnormalities in the breasts, DEXA bone density tests check for osteoporosis (among other things) and blood work look at a host of markers. This could include checking glucose levels, a lipid panel (cholesterol screening), and diabetes screening. Add a dental exam, eye exam, immunizations, pelvic exam, Pap smear, skin exam, and a physical exam and you have a pretty comprehensive view of your health.
But while these tests are well and good, one of the most valuable parts of the physical exam is the time you spend with your doctor. It’s their job to help you interpret those results and put a plan together to get and keep you as healthy as possible.
Annual exams should be something you do…well, annually. You’re investing in your health and well-being. Treat it as if you’re going to a spa, minus the soothing music and superb mani-pedi. You wouldn’t miss an annual trip to the spa, right?
So remember, you don’t need to wear a cape to be a Superhero. And even the most self-sufficient hero needs a sidekick to help them perform at their best. Your Aylo Health provider can be your partner in health, giving you peace of mind and a trusted advisor as you walk (or fly) down the path to better health. And the nice thing is an annual tune-up doesn’t take all day, leaving you plenty of time to return to save the world.