Your Guide to Annual Wellness Exams at IWC Primary Care

Danielle Gordon, NP-C
Jun 24
5 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A smiling nurse in blue scrubs shakes hands with an older man in a bright room, creating a warm and professional atmosphere. — A nurse practioner warmly greets and shakes hands with a patient, fostering a sense of trust and care in a medical setting.

As we age, our health becomes increasingly important. Staying proactive about it can make a huge difference in maintaining an active, independent lifestyle. At IWC Primary Care, we strongly encourage all our senior patients to schedule an Annual Wellness Exam (AWE). This preventive care is designed to help you stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring you live your healthiest life possible.

While many of us visit the doctor only when something feels wrong, an Annual Wellness Exam is all about taking a proactive approach to your health. It’s about preventing illness before it has the chance to strike.

What is an Annual Wellness Exam?

An Annual Wellness Exam is a comprehensive health check-up that seeks to assess your overall well-being. It helps detect potential issues early when they’re easier to treat. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss your health with a medical professional who understands you and your medical history. This allows for a more personalized and effective approach to your care.

During your AWE at IWC Primary Care, we will:

Review your personal and family medical history: A deep dive into your health background can identify hereditary conditions needing attention.
Assess your current health risks: We’ll ask a series of questions and conduct screenings to evaluate risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
Perform screenings for common conditions: Conditions like cancer, depression, and cognitive decline may not show obvious symptoms until they’ve progressed. We screen for early signs to address them before they escalate.
Create a personalized care plan: We work with you to develop a plan that meets your specific needs, from fitness goals to managing chronic conditions.
Update your vaccinations: Seniors are at higher risk for certain preventable diseases. During your AWE, we’ll ensure you’re up to date on vital vaccines like the flu shot, pneumonia vaccine, and shingles vaccine.

Logos of major insurance providers on a blue background, including SHARP, Medicare, and Cigna, with headings "We Accept Most Major Insurances" and "Medicare Advantage". — Healthcare provider network showcasing acceptance of major insurances, including Blue California, Tricare, Medicare, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem. Medicare Advantage options include Anthem, SCAN, Humana, Clever Care, Alignment Health, Health Net, and Molina Healthcare.

The Goal of the Annual Wellness Exam

The primary goal of the AWE is more than assessing your current health. It’s about providing the tools and resources to keep you healthy moving forward. Preventive care allows us to identify risks and act before health concerns become serious issues.

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The Importance of Preventive Care: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

It’s easy to think, “I feel fine, so I must be fine.” However, waiting until you experience symptoms before seeking care is not the best strategy for long-term health. Preventive care—like your Annual Wellness Exam—is vital for catching problems early, when they’re easier to treat and manage.

Many common health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers, often don’t show symptoms until they are serious. Catching these issues early through screenings is crucial in reducing the risks to your health.

For example:

Heart disease is a top cause of death among seniors. Many warning signs, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, may not cause noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. With an AWE, we can assess these risks and help manage them before they lead to serious heart problems.
Diabetes can develop slowly and might not show obvious symptoms until it affects other parts of the body. By screening for pre-diabetes, we can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Cancer is often asymptomatic in early stages. Regular screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, can help us detect potential issues early, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

Taking these small steps early can have a significant impact on your long-term health and well-being. By sticking to a regular schedule of preventive care, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier future and improving your quality of life as you age.

Steps to Schedule Your AWE at IWC Primary Care

Scheduling your Annual Wellness Exam at IWC Primary Care is easy. You can call our office at 858-648-0755 to speak with a helpful staff member or use our online patient portal to book your appointment conveniently. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.

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Why Choose IWC Primary Care for Your AWE?

Choosing IWC Primary Care means choosing a practice that values your health as much as you do. Led by Dr. Suzanne Afflalo and supported by our dedicated team of Nurse Practitioners, we prioritize building long-lasting relationships with our patients. We take the time to understand you as an individual, ensuring that your care plan is truly personalized.

Here’s why IWC Primary Care is the right choice for your Annual Wellness Exam:

Expert Care: Our team is specially trained in senior care, offering a deep understanding of the unique health challenges seniors face.
Comprehensive Health Plans: We provide a holistic approach, addressing immediate health needs and creating a long-term strategy for wellness.
Providers Who Listen: We offer a listening ear to our patients. At IWC Primary Care, we understand everyone's health journey is unique. Our providers take time to ensure your care is tailored to your needs.
Fast and Efficient Service: We value your time and strive to provide fast, efficient service without compromising quality. We prioritize timely appointments, so you don’t have to wait long for care.
Convenient Access: We accept Medicare Advantage plans, making it easy for seniors to access needed care without worrying about insurance issues.
Patient-Centered Approach: You’re not just another patient at IWC Primary Care. We listen, care, and collaborate with you to ensure your health goals are met.

Being part of the Sharp Community Medical Group means you benefit from a network of top-tier specialists and resources. This ensures you receive the highest quality care throughout your healthcare journey.

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Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Future

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Preventive care is key, and scheduling your Annual Wellness Exam is a simple yet effective way to stay ahead of potential health issues. At IWC Primary Care, we’re here to ensure you live your best life, free from unnecessary health concerns.

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Call us today at 858-648-0755 to schedule your Annual Wellness Exam, or visit our website to book your appointment online. We look forward to helping you stay healthy for many years to come.

Take the first step toward better health—schedule your AWE with us today!