Ask the Experts:
I'm young, healthy and feel great...
Q: I just turned 30 and my family keeps bugging me to get a physical. I'm healthy and feel great. How can I get them off my back? --R.M., Arlington
 Richard Jobe, MD Internist Smokey Point Family Medicine |
A: Sorry, I can't side with you on this one. Even at your age you should have a physical every two to five years. In particular, having your blood pressure checked on a regular basis will hopefully detect hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) long before complications such as heart attack and stroke occur.
With no known warning symptoms, hypertension is often called the "silent killer." It can lead to progressive, accelerated hardening of the arteries which, in turn, can lead to heart attack and stroke. Of all people with high blood pressure, almost one-third are unaware of their condition, and only 25 percent are receiving adequate treatment for it.
If you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or stroke, or if you have diabetes or are overweight, you should see your physician annually for a check-up.
In addition to determining your blood pressure and other health exams, your physician or other health provider should require some routine blood tests, including serum cholesterol.
After analyzing all of the results, your physician or provider will be able to tell you just how healthy you are. And you can get your family off your back.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.