Why Your Annual Physical Matters: What We Look at and Why
Published: 01-29-2026 | 2 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas
An annual physical is one of the best ways to catch health problems early and stay on top of your overall wellness. It is also a key time to talk with a trusted provider at Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) about any concerns or changes you’ve noticed over the past year.
What Is an Annual Physical?
An annual physical is a yearly checkup where your primary care provider reviews your health, even if you feel fine. During this visit, your provider will go over your medical history, medications, and any new symptoms you may have noticed.
The annual physical is also a chance to update your vaccines, review your lifestyle habits, and make a plan for staying healthy in the year ahead. This includes talking about nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and mental health.
What We Check During Your Visit
At your annual physical, our care team measures your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breathing. These checks help find problems such as high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms before they cause serious issues.
Your provider will also check your weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), listen to your heart and lungs, and examine your abdomen, skin, and reflexes. Depending on your age and health needs, you may want to take blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid function, and other important markers.
Why Thyroid Health Is Important
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, which highlights how important this small gland in your neck is for your overall health. The thyroid helps control your metabolism, energy level, and body temperature, and it can affect your weight, mood, and heart rate.
During an annual physical, your provider may order a blood test called TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and sometimes additional thyroid tests if you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or feeling unusually hot or cold. Catching thyroid problems early can prevent more serious complications and help you feel more like yourself.
Screening and Prevention
Your annual physical is a chance to review which screening tests you need based on your age, family history, and personal risk factors. This may include tests for diabetes, high cholesterol, certain cancers, and sexually transmitted infections.
Preventive care is not just about tests; it also includes vaccines, counseling about quitting smoking, and support for mental health. The goal is to prevent illness whenever possible, not just to treat it after it appears.
Why Primary Care at PHNTX Matters
Having a regular primary care provider at PHNTX means you have a team that knows your history and understands your needs. Over time, this relationship helps your provider notice small changes that might signal a larger health concern.
Primary care at PHNTX brings together routine checkups, chronic disease management, and support services in one place. This makes it easier to stay consistent with your care and follow through on your health goals throughout the year.
Schedule Your Annual Physical
If it has been more than a year since your last annual physical, now is a good time to schedule one. Regular yearly visits can help find issues early, support thyroid health, and keep you on track with preventive care.
Prism Health North Texas offers same-day and next-day appointments for primary medical care when available. PHNTX accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most other insurance plans, and we don’t turn anyone away based on ability to pay. Schedule your appointment by filling out this online form or calling 214-521-5191.
