/assets/production/practices/aa7156bb0a88c6ade2ce74e9aecafc772b46f603/images/2770661.jpg)
A comprehensive checkup every year ensures you stay in excellent health. With this in mind, Alexander Ukaoma, APRN, FNP, and his team at Somo Urgent Care in Waldorf, Maryland, provide in-depth physicals, detecting the earliest signs of disease and treating problems before they become more serious. You can also benefit from specialized exams like DOT, employees, sports, and school physicals. To arrange your physical at Somo Urgent Care, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Physicals Q & A
What are physicals?
Physicals are checkups the Somo Urgent Care team performs to assess your health. They detect diseases early on before they start causing symptoms.
Undergoing regular physicals ensures you protect yourself from potentially life-threatening conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Cancer
You might need physicals for specific purposes, like starting a new job or taking up sports. School, sports, and Department of Transportation (DOT) exams are also available at Somo Urgent Care.
What happens during a physical?
Your provider begins your physical with a review of your medical history. They ask you how you feel, and you can raise any concerns about your health. Somo Urgent Care providers look at everything that could affect your health, from diet and exercise to stress and your environment.
Next, your provider performs a comprehensive physical exam. They check vital health signs, including:
- Pulse
- Breathing rate
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
- Heart and lung sounds
- Physical reflexes
Your provider examines your skin, hair, and nails, which often suffer if you have underlying health problems. They also assess your reaction times, how easily you walk, sit, and stand, your balance, and how well you can see and hear. Finally, they carefully feel certain areas of your body, such as the lymph nodes, thyroid gland, liver, and joints, for abnormalities.
Men might need checks of the penis, testicles, and prostate gland. Women may require an internal exam and a breast check. Evaluating your mental health is also an essential part of your physical.
What tests might I need during a physical?
Some tests are standard during a physical exam. You might need additional exams depending on what your provider finds out after your initial assessment. Common tests include:
Blood draw and urinalysis
Blood and urine are the most common lab tests. They detect infections, nutrient deficiencies, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, signs of numerous diseases, and hormonal imbalances.
Diagnostic imaging
You might need a diagnostic imaging procedure if your provider wants to see the interior of your organs and tissues. Standard procedures include X-rays, ultrasound and CT scans, and MRIs.
Cancer screening
Cancer screening tests include Pap smears to check for cervical cancer in women and stool sample tests that look for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Your provider will tell you what screenings you need.
Call Somo Urgent Care to arrange your physical or book an appointment online today.