Reasons to schedule your annual checkup

Taking time to protect your health is crucial to staying well. Maybe you’re feeling fine. Or perhaps you’re seeing a care provider for a specific issue. It’s still important to have an annual checkup with a primary care provider. Here’s what regular annual checkups can help you do:

Keep track of your health

Annual checkups allow you to touch base on your weight, blood pressure, labs and more. Your care provider will notice changes that you may not be aware of from day to day. This awareness can lead to early detection of health issues. The sooner you identify an issue, the earlier and more effectively you can treat it.  

Stay up to date on screenings

Regular screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and colon cancer are crucial to staying well. Your provider will ensure that you’re up to date on screenings recommended for your age, sex and more.

Get vaccination recommendations

Vaccinations can help prevent and limit the risk of many diseases. Depending on your age and risk factors, the recommendations may vary. Your care provider can help you make an informed decision about which vaccinations are right for you and when to get them. 

Work on wellness

We all know we should eat a balanced diet, exercise and get a healthy amount of sleep. But sometimes life gets in the way. Your annual checkup is an opportunity to review what’s working for you and what isn’t. Care providers are experienced at giving personalized advice that can help you progress on your journey.

Nurture your relationship

Meeting with your care provider each year helps you build trust. That regular contact strengthens communication and positions you and your provider to successfully navigate your care in the future. 

Stay well and save money

Regular checkups are an investment in your health. They help you keep small issues from turning into bigger ones. They also help prevent emergencies, reduce your risk of chronic disease and more. Over the long run, this helps you live a healthier life and keep costs down. There’s no downside!