Physicals

An annual physical is the time to make sure your health is on the right track. At EMC Express Care in North Richland Hills, Texas, Luke Kehres, MD, provides physicals to patients of all ages. He also offers specialized options like sports physicals and Department of Transportation (DOT) exams. Call or walk in today for your physical.   

Why should I get a physical?

Physicals can seem like a nuisance when you lead a busy life and feel healthy. But seeing a doctor when you aren’t sick gives them time to evaluate your overall health and your baseline health markers, like blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar (glucose) levels.

During a physical, Dr. Kehres gathers information about your health, updates medical records, and reviews medications and supplements. It’s also a time to determine if you’re due for any vaccinations or screenings, such as mammograms or prostate tests.

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, it doesn’t mean you are. Many chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, don’t have obvious symptoms until they’ve caused serious complications. A regular exam catches these diseases early, when they are most treatable. 

What happens during a physical?

Your physical begins with a check of basic health statistics, including weight, height, blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen saturation. 

You’ll sit on an exam table as your provider examines your eyes, ears, throat, and skin for any irregularities or signs of illness. Dr. Kehres feels your thyroid to look for enlargement. He evaluates your respiration rate and heartbeat using a stethoscope. He’ll also evaluate your muscle tone and reflexes. 

Dr. Kehres may order standard blood tests to evaluate cholesterol and glucose levels. Blood tests may also include a complete blood count (CBC) and a metabolic panel. These tests can help the doctor determine if you have nutritional deficiencies, reveal how your organs are functioning, and whether you have underlying inflammation. 

What are special types of physicals?

Everyone older than the age of three benefits from an annual physical exam. You may benefit from more frequent physicals if you have a chronic condition, like asthma or heart disease.

The providers at EMC Express Care also offer sports and school physicals. These physicals are often required before playing in a league, on a team, or before a new school year. 

Dr. Kehres and the clinic are also certified providers of DOT, or Department of Transportation, physicals. These are required for people seeking a commercial driver’s license. They consist of a comprehensive exam that ensures you are healthy enough to perform your job duties safely. 

Bring all necessary paperwork, prior medical records, and your ID to the DOT physical. 

Call EMC Express Care or use this website to book your next physical online.