What is preventive medicine?
Preventive medicine is a specialized field that focuses on methods that safeguard your health and help circumvent future problems. Dr. Zimmerman works with you to customize a strategy to prevent disease, disability, and chronic conditions.
She believes that your food choices, exercise habits, and stress levels affect your susceptibility to disease. That’s why she’s diligent about making sure you know where you stand medically and helps you understand and embrace changes you can make to protect and nurture your health.
Dr. Zimmerman also can provde several referals to the best academic medical facilites in the area for speciliazed care needs.
What’s included in preventive medicine?
Dr. Zimmerman uses recommendations provided by the American Academy of Physicians and individualizes your care according to your needs and goals. Your preventive medicine appointment may include any of the following:
- Evaluation of your family and medical history
- Checking your vitals
- Blood glucose test
- Cholesterol screening
- Heart rate
- Immunizations
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Mental health screening
- Cancer screenings
- Weight/BMI assessment
Dr. Zimmerman is passionate about patient education and spends quality time with you to make sure you understand your role in your health and how you can reverse and prevent disease.
How often do I need a preventive medicine appointment?
The best way to prevent disease is to be proactive. Dr. Zimmerman recommends that you include a comprehensive physical once a year.
If you have risk factors that increase your chances of developing a problem, she may ask to see you a couple of times during the year to keep a close watch on any areas of concern.
Am I a candidate for preventive medicine?
Everyone needs preventive care. Dr. Zimmerman’s practice serves young adults, adults, and seniors.
For each group, your provider considers the unique health needs of that age range and makes recommendations accordingly.
For instance, younger patients need to be current on immunizations while seniors may need medical management of age-related conditions like osteoporosis or dementia.
To prevent disease and live well, call the office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zimmerman or book an appointment using the online scheduling feature.
What is a physical exam?
A physical exam is an extensive checkup that Dr. Zimmerman performs to evaluate your health and to screen for potential problems. Also known as a wellness check, a physical exam is an annual way to:
- Screen for diseases
- Identify potential health problems or complications
- Update vaccinations
- Build rapport with your doctor
- Address health concerns
In addition to the physical aspect of your exam, Dr. Zimmerman conducts a thorough mental evaluation as well.
What screenings are included in a physical exam?
During your physical, Dr. Zimmerman screens for:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Physical fitness levels
- Certain cancers
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Skin cancer
She also monitors your heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature.
What are the types of physical exams?
In addition to a general physical exam, specific types of health screenings are available for:
- Sports
- Pre-employment
- School
- Camp
- Travel
- Insurance
There are also different exams to address the unique needs of men and women.
How do I prepare for my physical exam?
To maximize your time with Dr. Zimmerman, have the following ready:
- List of medications you’re taking
- List of problems or concerns
- Insurance paperwork
- Medical history
- Family history
- Reports from recent tests
It’s important to describe your allergies in detail as well.
What can I expect during a physical exam?
When you arrive at the office, a member of Dr. Zimmerman’s team helps you get comfortable in your private room. Dr. Zimmerman talks with you about your health history and lifestyle, takes your vitals, and begins the physical exam.
She listens to your heart, looks in your mouth and ears, and pushes gently on your abdomen. She’ll test your reflexes, range of motion, and look for problems with your joints.
Part of your screening includes a skin check, so she looks at your scalp, between your fingers and toes, behind your knees, and in your crevices, checking for abnormal moles or other skin problems.
Finally, Dr. Zimmerman discusses your mental health. This screening is just as important as the physical health assessments.
Dr. Zimmerman never rushes and believes each patient deserves individualized care. She’s proud to offer state-of-the-art medical care with the heart of a small-town family doctor.
For a comprehensive physical exam, call the office or book an appointment online.
