Teachers, when the school year ends, your schedule finally opens up, or at least becomes less regimented. No early bells, fewer meetings, and a little more breathing room. That makes summer the perfect time for you to take care of something important: your health.
When is the best time for teachers to schedule an annual exam?
Summer is one of the best times to book your annual physical exam, gynecological exam, or general checkup. With fewer work demands, it's easier to attend a physical appointment, follow up on results, and complete any routine lab work or health screenings without feeling rushed.
A summer visit sets you up for a healthy, stress-free start to the new school year.
What's the difference between an annual physical exam and a gynecological exam?
Physical exams and gynecological exams have many similarities. The major differences are that in the gynecological exam, your primary care physician (PCP) or advanced practice clinician (APC) will conduct a pelvic and breast exam, discuss birth control options if desired, and go over sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.
What is included in your annual physical exam?
All regular annual physical exams at ARC include:
- Blood pressure check
- Depression screening
- Family medical history screening
- Heart rate check
- Height and weight check
- Physical exam
- Respiratory rate check
- Temperature check
- Tobacco use screening
- Sexual health screening and appropriate lab testing as needed
Additionally, depending on your age and risk factors, your PCP or APC will discuss and help you make shared decisions about:
- Cancer screening
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Osteoporosis screening (women over 65, or others at high risk)
- Vaccinations
Learn more about annual physical exams at ARC.
What is included in your annual gynecological exam?
All annual gynecological exams at ARC include:
- Birth control planning
- Blood pressure/vitals
- Breast exam
- Cancer risk screening
- Family history screening
- Health risk assessment
- Pelvic exam
- Questions about gynecological and obstetrical history
- Review of medical history
- STI discussion and prevention
Additionally, depending on your age and risk factors, your PCP or APC will discuss and help you make shared decisions about:
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Osteoporosis screening (patients over 65, or others at high risk)
- Vaccinations
Learn more about annual gynecological exams at ARC.
Who conducts these exams?
PCPs in Texas include doctors (MD/DO) and APCs specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, or geriatrics. In practice, you can ask any PCP or APC to perform either type of exam, but usually you would ask your family or internal medicine doctor or APC to perform an annual physical and an ob/gyn or APC to perform an annual gynecological exam.
Why are annual checkups so important?
Regular annual checkups and preventive health checkups help you stay ahead of potential health issues. These general health visits allow your clinician to catch small problems before they become bigger concerns.
Benefits of annual assessments include:
- Early detection through screening and preventive screenings
- Managing or preventing chronic conditions
- Staying current on vaccinations and immunizations
- Building a relationship with your physician
- Peace of mind knowing your health is on track
Many insurance plans cover in-network routine health checkups as part of covered preventive care, which means your annual checkup may come at little to no cost.
Start the school year strong
Think of your annual exam as part of your back-to-school prep — just like lesson plans and classroom supplies. A back-to-school health checkup ensures you have the energy and wellness you need to support your students all year long.
This summer, take advantage of your time off. Schedule your physical exams, complete your routine lab work, and check off your preventive care list. Take care of yourself this summer — you deserve an A+ in health.
Make an appointment today
Make an appointment today for your annual physical. Use ARC MyChart or go through your preferred doctor's or APC's ARC bio page. If you don't have a preferred physician or APC, or if you are new to ARC, check out clinicians and locations on either of these pages: