Martha Jefferson Healthwise: Physical Exams

February 27, 2013

As spring sports season rolls around, doctors say now is the time to start thinking about getting a physical exam. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise report CBS19's Stephanie Satchell found about more about physicals and how they can help doctors diagnose a serious condition.

From high school softball to soccer, spring sports season is right around the corner. That means it's time for a physical exam for students.

"It's important for kids and adolescents to get physicals primarily to screen for certain things that could be dangerous when they're playing sports One of which could be a heart condition and things like asthma," said Dr. Gabriel Spring, Palmyra Medical Associates.

Not only do kids and athletes need a physical, Dr. Spring says this is also a good time for adults to remember to schedule their exam.

During a physical, Dr. Spring says he looks for a wide range of health concerns based on a patients, age, gender or family history.

"We always start with blood pressure, weight, and pulse which gives us some basic information. We almost always look at the heart and lungs and check the abdomen for any masses or painful areas where there is tenderness...check lymph nodes and check for enlargements and try to pick up anything early such as pre-cancerous things and heart conditions," said Dr. Spring.

What may seem like a routine exam can help find some pretty serious conditions.

"Often you can find conditions that you don't know about yourself and it might be something that is easily treated and easily preventable. We might find evidence of a pre-cancer on your skin that we can take care of right away before it develops into anything serious," said Dr. Spring.

Dr. Spring says you get a physical exam if you haven't been to the doctor in a long time especially if you are over 40. Physicals are usually covered by most insurance companies.

Martha Jefferson Healthwise: Genetic Testing for Cancer

The comments sections of Newsplex.com are designed for thoughtful, intelligent conversation and debate. We want to hear from our viewers, but we only ask that you use your best judgment. E-mail is required, but will not be displayed with comment.

Comments cannot be profane or vulgar. We will not post comments that use profanity or cross the lines of good taste.

We will not post comments that use hate speech. Slurs, stereotypes and violent talk aren’t welcome on our website.

Comments should not attack other readers or people featured in our stories personally. Any accusations should be backed up with facts.

Any comment we post will be posted in its entirety. We do not edit any comment that we post.

Comments should contribute to the discussion. We will not post comments that don't advance the discussion. Flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments should not attack other posters. Let's keep the focus on the content of the story.

As a host Newsplex.com welcomes a wide spectrum of opinions. However this is a site that we host. We have a responsibility to all our readers to try to keep our comment section fair and decent. For that reason The Newsplex reserves the right to not post or to remove any comment.

If you have any ideas to improve the conversation or this section let us know. Send an e-mail to webmaster@newsplex.com.

HealthWise Video

Find A Doctor

Don’t wait until your family needs a doctor to find one. Martha Jefferson Hospital has more than 300 affiliated physicians representing more than 35 specialties. Click Here to find one that matches your needs.

MJH Resources

Advance Directives:
Martha Jefferson Hospital supports your right to make decisions about your future medical care. We want to know your wishes so we can provide the care you desire. We never know when an accident or serious illness will leave us incapable of making our own health care decisions. For peace of mind, it is important to think about and talk about your values and wishes for medical care and to put those wishes in writing. Download the Advance Directives form by clicking here.

MJH Calendar of Events:
Each quarter Martha Jefferson Hospital holds more than 75 informational classes focusing on everyday health, help for diabetes, women’s health, and family centered maternity care. We also have free support groups to help new mothers, patients and families affected by cancer and those struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The calendar is searchable by week, month and year or by keyword. Click Here to find a class to help you. If you don’t see a class that meets your health needs call Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663 and ask to see if you qualify for a free consultation with a community health specialist.

Health Connection:
Register for classes, find a doctor and learn about our community education programs and health screenings by calling 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663.