To help consumers get the most beneficial results from their annual physicals, U.S. Preventive Medicine(R) (http://www.uspreventivemedicine.com/), a company working to organize and advance a culture of prevention throughout America, announced its list of 12 important tips. These suggestions will help provide a more productive experience for both patient and physician, empowering patients with new knowledge to better maintain their health.

"It is crucial for individuals to take full advantage of their limited time with their doctor during their annual physical," said Dr. Boyd Lyles, Corporate Medical Director, U.S. Preventive Medicine. "By preparing for the meeting beforehand, patients will be able to present their doctors with a more complete view of their current state of health, adding valuable information to help the physician during the evaluation."

Here are U.S. Preventive Medicine's 12 key tips to help consumers get the most out of their annual physical:

   1. Prioritize and verbalize personal concerns and goals
      In advance of the appointment, be certain to identify all primary
      health and wellness concerns as well as expectations and goals for
      the visit. Upon arrival, address these with your doctor

   2. Review family medical history
      One of the most important steps in an annual physical is to update or
      review the history of illnesses in blood relatives. Many diseases have
      a strong hereditary predisposition. Make sure you know your family
      history and provide a detailed outline to your doctor.

   3. Get an examination the old-fashioned way
      A thorough physical must include a thorough physical examination, no
      matter how uncomfortable, for early detection and prevention.

   4. Address the potential for metabolic syndrome
      Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease and is easily diagnosed through a cholesterol
      or lipid profile, blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure readings and
      measurement of waist circumference. However, metabolic syndrome is not
      routinely addressed by many doctors during a physical. Take the
      initiative and ask if you should be assessed for it.

   5. Ask about screening for chronic diseases
      Early detection leads to improved prognosis for many of the most
      common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
      Unfortunately, most people neglect one or more of the crucial
      screening tests that can identify chronic disease even before they
      become symptomatic, thereby missing the opportunity for early
      detection and successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about a
      schedule of recommended preventive screenings.

   6. Discuss unhealthy habits or lifestyle choices
      The confidential nature of the doctor patient relationship provides a
      safety zone in which to freely discuss concerns patients may have
      about potentially dangerous habits or lifestyle choices. Issues that
      should routinely be addressed include tobacco use, alcohol intake,
      eating disorders, medication overuse and unsafe sexual practices.
      While these are highly sensitive topics, they each have significant
      medical implications which should be considered during the exam.

   7. Evaluate the best diet
      Optimal wellness and disease prevention cannot be achieved without a
      healthy nutritional plan. Discuss nutrition with your doctor at each
      annual physical and consider consultation with a registered dietitian
      to determine the best diet to satisfy individual medical concerns.

   8. Create an exercise regimen - even if you have physical limitations
      Some people may have physical conditions that they assume limit or
      indeed negate altogether, their ability to follow a beneficial
      exercise regime. Ask the physician for a referral to a clinical
      exercise physiologist, physical therapist or cardiac rehabilitation
      program for an exercise evaluation and individualized prescription.

   9. Discuss mental health issues
      The "mind-body connection" is not just a catch phrase. There is
      strong scientific evidence that stress, anxiety and depression
      have significant effects on physical well-being. Each annual physical
      should include an open discussion of personal stressors (occupational
      concerns, financial difficulties, family illness, elderly relatives,
      etc.) and any symptoms of anxiety, irritability, tension or
      depression.

  10. Evaluate sleep patterns
      A restful night's sleep is of paramount importance to ongoing good
      health. During the visit, discuss sleep patterns and note any loud or
      disruptive snoring, periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) or
      drowsiness during the daytime. Difficulties with frequent urination
      during the night, insomnia, restless legs and early morning awakening
      should also be mentioned as these are symptoms which may indicate
      other medical conditions.

  11. Review the list of prescription and over-the-counter medications you
      currently take
      While medications and supplements may have life-saving benefits or
      provide symptom relief, all may induce detrimental side effects in
      some individuals under certain circumstances. Provide your doctor with
      a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications,
      vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you are taking or have
      recently taken.

  12. Keep a personal copy of the paperwork
      Request a copy of all laboratory work, diagnostic studies,
      consultations and the physician's report for your personal records.
      Maintain a notebook or binder with all of your medical records and any
      nutritional or exercise recommendations. By keeping everything
      organized in one place, you'll be better able to take control of your
      own health.

About U.S. Preventive Medicine

U.S. Preventive Medicine(R), a privately owned company, is organizing and commercializing the market for proactive preventive health services in partnership with established hospitals and physician groups. The Company licenses its proprietary methodology, technology and branding assets to a health provider, which operates a local point-of-care -- The Center for Preventive Medicine(R) -- in a geographic territory on an exclusive basis. Individually, The Center for Preventive Medicine delivers a consistent suite of prevention services; collectively, Centers across the country form The U.S. Prevention Network(TM).

U.S. Preventive Medicine(R) and/or The Center for Preventive Medicine(R) do not themselves provide physician or professional services. All physician services are provided by independent practitioners exercising independent professional medical judgment. In addition, U.S. Preventive Medicine and/or The Center for Preventive Medicine do not interfere with or regulate the private physician-patient relationship. This document neither offers for sale nor solicits offers to purchase a franchise or investment unit in a Center for Preventive Medicine(R) or any other security.

Source: U.S. Preventive Medicine

Web site: http://www.uspreventivemedicine.com/