3 reasons to get your annual checkup

Yearly checkups are an essential, easy way to take care of your whole self. 

Here are three reasons everyone would benefit from an annual checkup. 

1. Your annual checkup can help you review your health today.  

An annual checkup lets you share with your primary care provider (PCP) concerns you might have right now.

• Are you feeling good? Ask for ideas on setting goals to stay healthy.
• Are you experiencing a new symptom? Your yearly visit isn’t geared toward new health concerns. But you can mention what you’re seeing and ask if you need another appointment for that particular issue.
• Are you trying to manage a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis or depression? Check how you can stay on track. If you have a PeaceHealth PCP, see if a care management program like Flourish would fit your needs. 

2. Your annual checkup is a chance to prevent or catch concerns early. 

Preventing or catching illness in an early stage can be another reason to see your doctor once a year. Ask your PCP about which, if any, of the following you should plan to get:

• Screenings for:
  • Common cancers
  • Cardiac concerns
  • Diabetes or prediabetes
• Vaccines, based on your risk factors. Read about typical immunizations by age. 

Some of these may be done during your visit. But oftentimes, you will need to plan to have them done at another time or place, depending on what you need.

3. Your annual checkup can lay the groundwork for long-term health.

Without going into a lot of detail, you might ask your PCP to briefly touch on things like:

• Personal and family health history. What should you keep in mind to reduce your risks for future health concerns?
• Age-related issues. Joint pain, vision changes, hearing loss or incontinence can be common as you get older. Your doctor can offer tips on preventing, delaying or coping with these.

Prepare for your annual checkup

With any type of visit, you play the most important part. Read these ways to make the most of your appointment. 

Plan for other types of visits

Beyond your annual PCP checkup, consider other types of visits you might need to feel your best. 

Schedules at clinics can sometimes fill up. It’s helpful to call earlier than later for the kinds of care you or your family will need this year.

For more ways to plan your health this year, consider these checklists if you’re:

• 65 or older.
• Expecting a baby.
• Planning to have surgery.