Physicals Specialist

What’s the purpose of a physical?

You should visit Jonathan S. Leibowitz, MD, PC, at least once a year for a physical, even if you’re healthy. A physical is a crucial check-up to promote your health — today and in the future.

Physicals generally involve:

• Screening for diseases, including some forms of cancer
• Evaluating your risk for future medical problems
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle
• Updating your vaccinations

Routine physicals help you avoid health problems. For example, the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is by having it checked regularly.

Some health conditions, such as high blood sugar and high cholesterol, may not produce any symptoms in the early stages. However, a simple blood test by Dr. Leibowitz can check for these conditions.

What tests do I need during a physical?

Your screening tests generally depend on:

• Your gender
• Age
• Health condition

For example, beginning at age 21, women should have a pelvic exam and Pap test every three years to check for cervical cancer. If you’re age 30 and your Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests are normal, you only need a Pap test every five years.

As for men, Dr. Leibowitz recommends checking for high cholesterol and heart disease with an annual cholesterol screening starting between the ages of 20 and 35. Men with normal cholesterol levels won’t need the test again for another five years.

However, if you have a health condition like diabetes or kidney problems, he may recommend checking you more often.

In general, during your physical you can expect tests for:

• High blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Cervical cancer
• Skin cancer (a skin exam)

Dr. Leibowitz also asks about your mental health and may look for signs of depression and anxiety.

What should I bring to my physical?

If this is your first visit with Dr. Leibowitz, you’ll want to bring certain records with you. It’s a good idea to:

• Write down names and dosages of any medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements
• Bring your vaccine record showing when you received your last flu shot (annual), tetanus (every ten years) and pertussis.
• Bring the dates of your last cancer screenings, such as Pap test or mammogram

This information helps Dr. Leibowitz as he reviews your medical history.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a physical, call Jonathan S. Leibowitz, MD, PC, today or book a consultation online.