In a perfect world, you’d only need to visit your doctor in case of an emergency. Establishing a relationship with a physician to maintain your good health and prevent illness, however, is the smartest move you can make. Not only can it reduce your risk of experiencing emergencies, but nip chronic problems in the bud.
Internal medicine specialist Dr. Gurprit Sekhon and the Nu Wave Medical Center team are dedicated to following your health long-term. Having a doctor that knows your health concerns, conditions, and priorities are critical.
One of the best ways to maintain your health is by receiving an annual physical. That way, Dr. Sekhon has a baseline picture of your health and can compare her findings from subsequent visits to make sure your health remains excellent.
Think of your annual physical is a necessary preventive measure. You may feel fine, but by checking your vital signs and other systems, Dr. Sekhon gains insight into your current condition, and what conditions you may be at risk for in the future.
This is also an essential time for you and Dr. Sekhon to build your relationship. The more she learns about you, the better, more comprehensive care she can provide.
During your physical, Dr. Sekhon will:
You might’ve heard it’s important to “know your numbers.” It is, and this is why Dr. Sekhon also measures your weight, blood pressure, and BMI, or body mass index. She may also take a blood sample to learn your blood glucose level and cholesterol.
If you’re a sexually active adult, Dr. Sekhon will treat you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you’re female, she’ll likely recommend a mammogram, depending on your age and family history. She might order a bone density test to identify your risk for osteoporosis.
If you’re a man, she'll talk to you about prostate cancer screening. If you’re over 50, she'll advise you to get a colonoscopy screening for colon cancer.
It’s also important to keep up with vaccinations for conditions like shingles and pneumonia, as well as boosters for ones you received in the past.
Finally, Dr. Sekhon will discuss the daily lifestyle practices that impact your health. For example, your tobacco use, your diet, level of physical activity, and your alcohol consumption.
If you see Dr. Sekhon for the management of a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, your annual physical exam is another opportunity to check-in.
It’s also a great time to discuss any medication you take, whether over-the-counter or prescribed. Dr. Sekhon will freely share her knowledge of what medications shouldn’t be taken together or if there's a better medication option available.
Our office is equipped with the staff and technology to check anything Dr. Sekhon deems important for your wellbeing, from a blood lipid profile to an echocardiogram (EKG).
Since our state has been hard-hit by COVID-19, we’re not only dedicated to keeping current with the most advanced prevention and treatment protocols, we’ve also made screening and testing part of our standard care plan.
At your physical, we verbally screen you, take your temperature, and offer COVID-19 testing, which you can discuss with Dr. Sekhon. She can also advise you about the now widely known ways you can reduce your chances of spreading or contracting the virus. For example, wearing a mask, keeping a physical distance of at least six feet from others, and washing your hands well and frequently.
As you know, this is a constantly evolving situation, but we monitor it continuously and update our policies per CDC recommendations.
An annual physical is just one of many important components of the care Dr. Sekhon provides. She learns a lot from your wellness exam, and that guides how she cares for you.
You have a partner in your health journey, and your annual physical is the starting point. Never hesitate to ask a question or discuss a concern. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
