The Importance of a Comprehensive Annual Physical

Is it time to schedule your annual well-woman exam? You might wonder why you need to go through this routine every year — especially if you’re feeling good — and it can be tempting to put it off or even skip it altogether

But the truth is that getting comprehensive annual physicals is one of the best things you can do for your health, and we’re here to help make it an enjoyable experience rather than a nuisance. Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, and our team specialize in women’s health and wellness at A Woman’s Wellspring.

We take a holistic approach to care, combining traditional medicine with natural remedies, and we believe that comprehensive annual physicals are the first step to achieving your best possible health.

Why annual physicals matter

First and foremost, comprehensive annual physicals are important because they’re proactive. Instead of waiting to go to the doctor when you’re sick, annual check-ups allow us to monitor every aspect of your health — physical, emotional, and mental — to identify changes as early as possible. 

When health conditions are detected early, they’re often easier to treat. Early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery, particularly when it comes to serious conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Your well-woman exam is also the perfect time to discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. Whether it's irregular periods, chronic pain, or mood changes, Dr. Taylor and our team are here to listen and find solutions.

Integrating mental health care into your visits is just one element of our holistic approach to wellness, and it can profoundly impact your quality of life. We offer guidance and resources for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

What to expect at your comprehensive annual exam

Dr. Taylor and our team offer both primary care and OB/GYN services so that you can get a range of routine screenings all in one appointment. We typically start with a thorough physical examination, which includes measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.

The exact screenings you get will depend on your age, medical history, and unique needs. We may recommend a Pap smear and/or mammogram because these tests can detect cervical and breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.

We may ask questions about your diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and stress levels. 

We can discuss contraceptive options, reproductive planning, menopause management, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention as well.

We compare your results to those of past years, and this holistic approach gives us a comprehensive understanding of your health. We review key findings with you and offer personalized recommendations for maximizing your overall well-being.

Annual physical exams might seem unnecessary if you’re healthy, but they’re the best way to ensure you continue enjoying your best possible health at every age. Schedule your next well-woman exam, take proactive steps to protect your health, and get the support and guidance you need to thrive.

Call our Carmel, California, office at 831-622-1995 or book your appointment online.