Adult & Pediatric Preventative Physicals

Over the last century, preventive health care has become an important aspect of medical practice, leading to significant improvements in overall health in the United States.

Asthma

The “classic” signs and symptoms of asthma include intermittent dyspnea, cough, and wheezing. A pattern of respiratory symptoms that occurs with exposure to triggers (e.g., allergens, exercise, viral infections) and resolves with trigger avoidance or asthma medication is typical of asthma. Some patients may report all three classic symptoms, while others may report only one or two.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the most common cause of death in the United States. High cholesterol affects over 42 million Americans. While it can be inherited, it is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices and is therefore preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and sometimes medication can significantly reduce high cholesterol.

Depression/Anxiety

Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders are highly prevalent conditions that frequently co-occur. The age of onset patterns for anxiety and mood disorders appear distinct. Anxiety disorders are most likely to begin early in life, with few new cases occurring after age 20, while the prevalence of major depression increases significantly after age 20.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the major causes of early illness and death worldwide. The prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes continues to increase. Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 8 percent of the United States population, with as many as 25 to 40 percent of those with diabetes undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90 percent of patients with diabetes. Because of the associated microvascular and macrovascular disease, diabetes accounts for almost 14 percent of US healthcare expenditures, at least one-half of which are related to complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, end-stage renal disease, retinopathy, and foot ulcers.

Hypertension

Hypertension is associated with a number of serious adverse effects, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and chronic kidney disease. Hypertension in the US accounts for 35 percent of myocardial infarctions and strokes, 49 percent of episodes of heart failure, and 24 percent of premature deaths. High blood pressure is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number) is ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is ≥90 mmHg on two or more visits over a period of several weeks. Normal blood pressure: systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg.

Lacerations & Skin Repair

Skin laceration repair is an important skill in family medicine. Sutures, tissue adhesives, staples, and skin-closure tapes are options in the outpatient setting. Wounds generally need to be sutured within 24hrs of the injury.

Seasonal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is associated with a symptom complex characterized by paroxysms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and itching of the eyes, nose, and palate. It is also frequently associated with postnasal drip, cough, irritability, and fatigue. Food Allergy – Most food allergy is acquired in the first or second year of life. The prevalence of food allergy in children (aged 0 to 17 years) has slowly increased in the United States, from 3.4 percent in 1997 to 1999 to 5.1 percent in 2009 to 2011.

Sports, Camp and College Physicals

Approximately 30 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States. The standard of care is that these athletes have a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) before the season begins. The primary goal of the PPE is to maximize safe participation by children and adolescents.

Sports Medicine

Formal physical activity in the form of high school sports participation has grown from an estimated 4 million participants to an estimated 7.5 million over the last 40 years. The health benefits of increased physical activity (eg, bone health, weight management, improved self-esteem, increased strength, endurance, and flexibility) are well documented. However, those who participate in athletics are at risk for sports-related injuries. High school athletes account for an estimated 2 million injuries. Among younger children (aged 3 to 15 years) who present to their primary care provider with complaints of musculoskeletal pain, more than 80 percent of cases are caused by trauma and overuse.