One of the most important changes in our recommendations relates to the "annual physical." A top-to-toe physical examination for someone without symptoms has never been proven to extend life or decrease illness or discomfort.

A "health maintenance evaluation" includes:

• Identifying risk factors in one's personal and family health history
  
  
• Performing a focused exam, as appropriate
  
  
• Obtaining needed screening tests at the right intervals
  
  
• Encouraging people to choose healthy lifestyles to maximize their health

This "checkup" can occur during an office visit devoted to health maintenance or may be covered during an office visit for other concerns.

We encourage our patients to ask questions and take a partnership approach with their providers to maxi­mize their health and obtain the preventive screening tests that really matter.

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