Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Annual physicals can detect hidden health risks like prediabetes, as Francesca Bernal discovered.
- Dr. Maurine Cobabe emphasizes regular checkups for overall wellness and early disease detection.
- Annual exams include medical history reviews, lifestyle advice and lab tests under insurance coverage.
HERRIMAN — For Francesca Bernal, her health is a top priority.
"Every year on the dot, I go in and get my annual checkup," she said.
This year, Bernal's doctor ran bloodwork and discovered that her A1C levels were in the prediabetic range.
"This is kind of a wake-up call," she said.
Prediabetes is a common condition that affects about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., often without presenting symptoms.
Bernal's doctor prescribed medication and lifestyle changes to help keep her on track and prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.
"It's so important to be checking in with your doctors so that you know what might be down the road in terms of your health, before things start to show symptoms," said Dr. Maurine Cobabe, a family medicine physician with Intermountain Health.
Cobabe said doctor visits shouldn't only happen when you're sick, but also as a way to support overall health and wellness.
"It can be part of your wellness program," she said. "It can be part of making yourself feel healthier, stronger and more ready to take on the world."
During an annual physical, providers may review your medical and family history, recommend lifestyle changes such as sleep, diet, and exercise, ensure you're up-to-date on recommended vaccines, and order lab tests to screen for disease.
"Your blood is full of information about your health," Cobabe said. "A simple lab draw is a critical part of knowing your health status. It's really important to get those screenings done and to meet with your primary care doctor that knows you, your family history, and your own personal health history, so that they know what you might be at risk for."
"(It's) super quick for me; it's easy — they'll do those lab works, and they will identify things that you won't," Bernal added.
Being proactive about her health helps Bernal stay present for her family, including her grandmother, whom she cares for, and for herself.
"Be an advocate for yourself," she said. "Your health is very important."
Many Intermountain providers offer virtual care appointments for concerns that don't require a hands-on exam.
Under the Affordable Care Act, annual physicals are required to be covered by insurance.
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Emma Benson
