Life is busy, and it’s easy to push health checkups to the bottom of the to-do list. Staying healthy isn’t only about treating illness when it happens; it’s about preventing problems before they start. That’s where annual wellness visits come in. These yearly appointments are designed to give you and your healthcare provider time to review your health, discuss your goals, and make sure you’re on track—no matter your age or stage of life.
Screenings change as you age, but they’re always important:
- Children & Teens: Vaccinations, growth checks, and mental health screenings.
- Young Adults: Blood pressure, cholesterol, and reproductive health.
- Middle Age: Colonoscopy, diabetes checks, mammograms or prostate exams.
- Older Adults: Bone density, fall risk, vision, and hearing exams.
If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, reviewing them with your provider each year is key. They’ll check for drug interactions, unnecessary duplicates, or changes needed as your health evolves.
Simple blood tests—like cholesterol, blood sugar, or thyroid checks—can reveal hidden risks. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends many routine labs as part of standard preventive care.
Annual wellness visits give you peace of mind and a plan. By asking about screenings, reviewing medications, and completing regular labs, you’re setting yourself up for better health in every stage of life. If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, now’s the time to schedule. Call your primary care provider today to schedule an appointment.
- CDC: Prevention
- AHRQ: Medication Reconciliation
- USPSTF: Recommendations