26, Jun 2025
An annual physical exam is more than just a routine visit—it's a proactive approach to catching potential health issues early and keeping your body in optimal shape.
At Dr. Sue Mitra’s clinic in Melbourne, Florida, we consider annual checkups a vital foundation for maintaining long-term health and preventing future illness. Here’s why an annual physical exam should be a priority for everyone and what you can expect during your appointment.
Why Are Annual Physical Exams Important?
1. Early Detection of Health Issues
Many serious health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers, often develop silently without obvious symptoms. Regular checkups help your doctor identify potential health issues early, improving the chances of successful treatment and better results.
2. Preventive Care and Vaccinations
Yearly check-ups offer a chance to refresh your vaccinations, review daily habits, and receive personalized guidance on nutrition, fitness, and managing stress. Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
3. Monitoring Existing Conditions
For those living with chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease, routine medical checkups are essential to track health progress, fine-tune treatments, and reduce the risk of serious complications.
4. Cultivating a Strong Partnership with Your Medical Professional
Consistent visits foster trust and open communication between you and your doctor. This partnership ensures personalized care tailored to your unique health needs.
What Happens at Your Yearly Health Checkup?
When you visit Dr. Sue Mitra in Melbourne, Florida for your annual physical exam, here’s what typically happens:
Health History Review
Your physician will review your medical background, including family history, current prescriptions, daily routines, and any questions or concerns you’d like to address.
Vital Signs Measurement
Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature will be checked to get an overall snapshot of your health.
Physical Examination
This includes checking your heart and lungs, examining your abdomen, assessing your skin, and evaluating other body systems as needed.
Laboratory Tests
Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, blood tests or urine tests may be ordered to check cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, and other important markers.
Screening Tests
You may be recommended screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or bone density tests based on guidelines and your individual health profile.
Discussion and Counseling
In the final step, your doctor will go over the results with you, address any issues, and collaborate on developing or refining your personalized health plan.
Schedule Your Annual Physical Exam Today
Prioritizing your health starts with regular checkups. Contact Dr. Sue Mitra today at 321-622-6222 or visit suemitra.com to schedule your annual physical exam in Melbourne, Florida and take the first step towards proactive, preventive healthcare.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)