Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 12/05) - People thinking a physical means disrobing and having a doctor's finger probe into uncomfortable places may be surprised the next time they get a check up.

Stanton Medical Centre Director Dr. John Morse says people should visit their doctor at least once a year, but that medical evidence suggests the old-style full physical has little value in predicting illness.

Yep, the old movie cliche of a military doctor checking for hernias by grabbing a man's testicles and asking him to cough has fallen by the wayside, along with a number of other time-honoured practices.

For more than 10 years now, a national health examination task force has said much of the traditional top-to-bottom physical has little value in pointing out future illness, according to Dr. John Morse, an internal specialist at the Stanton Medical Centre.

"The predictive value of actually doing that is almost useless," said Morse of the old full physical. "But you had the impression that you had been well checked."

Unless you are experiencing a particular health problem, Morse said patients should expect a yearly height and weight measurement to determine if they are obese; a blood pressure reading; an eye exam to check for glaucoma; and a frank chat about their personal and family health history.

And most of what people can do to stay healthy has not changed in years: eating a balanced diet, getting proper exercise, avoiding smoking and drinking, and being conscious of a family health problems such as cancer or heart disease.

"Things probably you kind of know, but still need to be emphasized," said the doctor.

As they get older, Morse said women should have mammograms after 40 years of age, in addition to doing home breast self examinations. Men should have prostate cancer checks - the uncomfortable gloved finger probing the anus - at 50 years of age.

And Morse said anyone over 50 without a family history of cancer should have their stool tested every two years for colon cancer. Those with a relative who had the disease should be tested more often.

Even if you feel healthy, Morse recommends yearly doctor visits to help strengthen your relationship, as well as provide a store of information should you ever become ill.