The Importance of Annual Visits
This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to skip or delay a routine doctor’s visit, especially if you’re feeling perfectly fine. But whether you’re in your twenties or your seventies, annual wellness visits are a great step you can take to protect your health.
At every age and stage of life, annual check-ups are about prevention, connection, and personalized care.
For Younger Adults (20s–40s): Building a Health Foundation
I know what you are thinking… “I feel fine, why should I go to the doctor?” That’s why we call it prevention :)
Annual visits for younger adults include:
Preventive screenings based on age, gender, and risk factors (e.g., cholesterol, pap smears, STIs)
Immunizations like Tdap boosters, flu shots, HPV, and COVID updates
Mental health check-ins for stress, anxiety, or depression
Lifestyle counseling on sleep, diet, exercise, and substance use
Establishing a medical home: If an issue arises later, you already have a trusted provider who knows your history. At my office, patients can get it quickly to see me (same day), especially if its emergent!
These are proactive health check-ins where you can ask questions, get advice, and keep track of your long term goals. I always say, especially for my young patients, sometimes its just nice to build a connection with a provider so you have someone to go to if you have a question or concern regarding health in general.
For Older Adults: Staying Ahead of Chronic Conditions
As we age, the importance of consistent, comprehensive care only grows. Annual visits become essential for managing health risks and catching early warning signs of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
Annual visits for older adults include:
Screenings for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, bone density, prostate health, and cognitive function
Chronic condition management (blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis)
Medication reviews to avoid dangerous interactions or side effects
Fall risk assessments and mobility screenings
Vaccinations (shingles, pneumonia, COVID and flu shots)
Advance care planning (when appropriate)
These visits are also a valuable time to discuss any new symptoms that could indicate a larger concern.
Why Annual Visits Matter—No Matter Your Age
Prevent problems before they start
Detect silent conditions early (like high blood pressure or high cholesterol)
Track your progress toward health goals year over year
Strengthen the patient-provider relationship: care is more personal, which I love!
Your health is one of your most valuable assets. Invest in yourself!! Get a check up, connect with a provider that you trust!
See you next week!!!!
Nina