HEALTHY REASONING: Get A Health Check Every Year

By Allan Jones
Pride Health Columnist

Some of us own cars, and we know the value of a regular tune up and checking to see what may need fixing and adjustment. Our bodies need even more attention than a car, but sadly this is not happening. Many of us still neglect what most doctors agree is the critical event in determining and maintaining good health. This event is the annual physical.

The name physical may suggest that there is only a physical element to the event, however there are two parts to the annual visit to your family doctor, the talking portion and the physical exam. The annual checkup is a good time to go through your list of issues. The time spent talking to your doctor is the most important part of the exam. This is where you will not only discuss physical symptoms you may be experiencing, but also any changes in your life, such as stress, racism directed to you, a new job, weight issues, a new medication, a death in the family or divorce.

Recently the Ontario government and the Ontario Medical Association agreed that the physical examination can be speeded up if the physician involved could have a longer and more thorough examination for “sicker” patients, like those who are older and have chronic diseases, (45 to 60 minutes) but a shorter time (30 minutes) devoted to younger and healthier patients. Based on your history, the doctor will make a decision on timing.

Preparation for your physical examination is critical. Many patients go and see their family doctor for the examination, with many questions in their head, however during the examination they forget, and so the visit is not as useful as it could be, so how do you prepare for a doctor’s visit to do a physical?

First of all you need to set a date and arrive prepared. When you call to make your appointment, tell the receptionist the reason for your visit is to do a physical. Knowing this, your doctor will generally set aside the required time to meet with you. You should write down and bring any questions you may have for your doctor about your health, and you need to insist that the doctor answers the questions, and that you understand the answers. It is also a good idea to bring a list of all the medication and supplements you are taking. This is especially important if other doctors have prescribed something your family doctor may be unaware of, or if you purchased some natural product on your own. Also, record any family history of disease and share with the doctor. For example, if your mother or father is diabetic, and you are not, there is a great possibility that you could develop diabetes. With this knowledge the doctor is able to discuss diabetes preventative measures with you.

If you are seeing a new doctor for the first time, you should try to have any previous medical records sent over to the doctor, prior to your exam. This information will help your new doctor understand your medical history.

Black patients have greater susceptibility for certain diseases and medical conditions, so there are some “must do” tests when Black patients do the annual physical. If you are over 40, these are diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and cancer screening. For women the “must do” tests should include the pap test, and for men the prostate screening. Also, women with a family history of breast cancer should push for earlier breast cancer screening. Recently the Ontario government agreed to give free PSA blood tests used for prostate cancer screening to Black men, due to the higher risk for developing the cancer. Talk to your doctor about this new guideline, as some doctors are surprisingly unaware of the directive.

If you live in Canada without the proper immigration documentation, no health card etc., you should still do your annual check-up, and see a doctor when you need to without fear. Community Health Centres (CHC’s) are directed to provide you with a doctor, and provide confidential service, with no questions asked about your landed status. Also, these centres generally devote more time to patients than other doctors do, so even if you have proper immigration status in Canada, and you have many medical issues, you probably need to get your healthcare through a Community Health Centre. There are many CHC’s in communities across Ontario like Rexdale, TAIBU, Black Creek, Bramalea and Women’s Health in Women’s Hands. Call and make an appointment with your regular family doctor or at a health centre.

The yearly check-up is critical for good health…just do it!!! 

Allan Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be heard on “Allan Bucka Jones LIVE”, Sundays from 3 to 5pm on CHRY 105.5 FM, www.chry.fm , Rogers Digital Cable 945, Bell Fibe 973 or mobile app TuneIn.com . You can contact Allan Jones at ajones@jjmedical.ca.