Going to the doctor for an annual check-up or when you’re sick is normal, but comprehensive full body health screenings are not as common. Full body screenings go beyond a standard doctor’s visit to proactively assess your overall health and identify any underlying conditions or risk factors before they progress or become problematic. Getting preventative full body health screenings can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Introduction
Full body health screenings, also known as an executive physical, involve a complete physical exam as well as analysis and assessment of important health markers. Screenings typically include measurements and laboratory tests that evaluate cardiovascular health, organ function, vitamin and mineral levels, cancer risk, bone density, neurological health, and more.
Some components of a full body screening may include:
- Medical history review and physical exam
- Blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, waist circumference measurements
- Blood tests: cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, liver and kidney function, nutrient levels, etc.
- Urine analysis
- Cardiovascular screening: EKG, stress test, echocardiogram
- Cancer screenings: mammogram, Pap smear, prostate exam
- Lung function test
- Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan
- Bone density scan
- Cognitive testing
The extensive data gathered from these tests provides a comprehensive snapshot of your current health status and risk factors. This enables your doctor to identify potential issues in the earliest stages when they are most treatable. Full body screenings also establish a health baseline against which future screenings can be compared to track changes.
Key Benefits of Full Body Health Screenings
There are many advantages to having periodic full body health screenings, especially as you age. Some key benefits include:
Early Disease Detection
Full screening lab work, exams, and imaging can uncover illnesses and conditions that don’t have obvious symptoms. Early detection gives you the best chance for effective treatment and recovery. Screenings are particularly important for high-risk groups.
Assessment of Future Risk
Understanding risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and bone density can allow you and your doctor to take proactive steps to reduce your risk for chronic disease through lifestyle changes or preventative medicine.
Establish Health Baselines
Having established baselines for health markers allows healthcare providers to monitor changes over time. Significant changes could indicate an underlying problem needing further evaluation.
Identification of Nutrient Deficiencies
Bloodwork can reveal nutritional deficiencies of important minerals like iron or B12 that can negatively impact your energy, immunity, and cognition if left unaddressed.
Improved Prevention & Wellness
The information learned from full body screenings can help you and your doctor create targeted prevention and wellness strategies based on your health status and risk factors. This allows for personalized recommendations.
Peace of Mind
For many people, a clean bill of health and assurance that medical issues were not overlooked provides great peace of mind and reduces worry about unknown health problems.
What to Expect During Full Body Screenings
The components of full body screenings can vary by provider, but most follow a similar structure:
- Pre-screening consultation: Discussion regarding health history, medications, family history, symptoms, and health goals. Providers may send questionnaires ahead of the appointment.
- Physical exam: Head to toe physical checking vital signs, listening to heart and lungs, palpating abdomen, assessing range of motion, neurological status, and signs of illness.
- Laboratory testing: Blood and urine samples collected and sent to lab for analysis. May require fasting for 12 hours beforehand.
- Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, mammograms done onsite or at specialized facilities.
- Specialist consults: Referrals made to other specialties like cardiology, dermatology, or neurology depending on risk factors.
- Follow-up consultation: The provider reviews all test results and answers questions. They put together a summary report with recommendations for lifestyle changes, further testing, specialty referrals, etc.
The complete process usually takes place over 1-2 days. Some executive physicals also include fitness assessments or nutrition consultations. You can expect the full body screening to be very thorough and detailed.
Who Should Get Full Body Screenings?
While anyone can benefit from full body health screenings, medical experts recommend priority groups complete them regularly.
- Adults over age 40: As cancer, heart disease, diabetes risks all increase with age, screenings can diagnose issues early. Screening frequency should increase after age 50.
- Anyone with risk factors: People who smoke, have family history of cancer, heart or liver disease, stroke, diabetes, or high blood pressure have increased risk and need proactive screening.
- Pre/post major surgery candidates: Screenings establish a health baseline before surgery and monitor recovery after.
- Executives & professionals: High stress jobs increase risks. Screenings identify health issues aggravated by work pressures.
- Athletes & fitness devotees: Intense training can affect heart, muscles, joints, bones, and increase injury risks. Screenings allow tailored training and nutrition recommendations.
- Prevention-focused individuals: Any person who prioritizes disease prevention and proactive health management will benefit from full body evaluations.
Finding a Quality Full Body Screening Provider
Where you get your full body health screening is as important as having it done. You want experienced professionals with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. When selecting a provider consider:
- Credentials: Look for screening centers associated with established hospitals and universities utilizing board certified practitioners.
- Specialization: Find a center focused on prevention and proactive health rather than just urgent care.
- Equipment: Ensure they have the latest imaging, DXA bone density scanners, and lab capabilities.
- Team approach: Good providers have various medical experts involved in assessments.
- Track record: Look for facilities with long histories of performing screenings who follow established protocols.
- Patient experience: Seek providers who consider screenings a collaborative process focused on your goals and needs.
- Convenience: Choose a location close to your home or work that offers flexible scheduling options.
Conclusion
Full body health screenings are important preventative services to identify health issues and risks early on. Though they require an investment of time and money, the benefits to your long-term health and wellbeing make them worthwhile. Be proactive about your health by scheduling a high-quality screening tailored to your age, risk factors, and personal health goals.
