Hi,
Im a 37 yo male in very good health (weight, blood pressure, cholesterol 140, etc) I went to the Dr today (first time in 3 years which is within the guidelines) and got a complete physical + labs + EKG (baseline).
In the process of the physical he told me that this is an every thing from here on out. Like a stupid patient I said right.
What gives? Why would it be an every year thing? There are no health issues, risk factors, etc. He's a D.O. instead of an M.D. - could this have anything to do with it?
I cant imagine this every year.
2007-03-28 11:11:45 · 2 answers · asked by imark 2 in Health ➔ Men's Health
No, being D.O. has nothing to do with it. As an M.D. we both attend the same post-grad residency programs in our specialties. The only difference is in the pre-training, ie, med school vs osteopathic school.
That being said, you are correct. An otherwise healthy 37 y/o male with no significant family history of chronic preventive diseases does not require annual physicals, aside from every 5 year cholesterol checks and routine immunizations. Between 45-50 is where annual cancer screening begins.
Hope this helps...cheers, and congrats on recent exam results.
2007-03-29 05:08:03 · answer #1 · answered by j d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you get older, the body begins to fail. Not all at once, and not drastically, but a small lump, unchecked, could develop into cancer. You need to get checked out every year as you enter mid life. Your doctor is just keeping your best interest in mind.
2007-03-28 15:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by fjf753 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋