6 Must Haves On Your Yearly Health Checklist

It’s easy to put off doctor’s visits and checkups, especially during COVID times. However, the reason checkups are so important is because they offer a chance to catch problems while they are still small and treatable.

From top to bottom, here is your health checkup checklist that will get your health back on track.

Basic Physical

Your general practitioner or specialist doctor should perform a basic physical exam. This sets the baseline on your health and offers a general overview. If an issue is suspected or discovered, you will likely be referred to a specialist. This can include anything from an odd mole to an irregular heartbeat. It also includes a basic screen of your mental health. To make the most of this checkup, write down any concerns you have and remember to be honest when answering your doctor’s questions.

Eye Exam

Make an appointment with your optometrist to get your eyes checked, which often involves examining your vision and dilating your pupils. Dilation allows the doctor to see the structures within your eye and check their health. An eye exam can discover concerns such as cataracts, glaucoma, and the need for glasses or contacts to correct vision. Untreated vision issues can lead to routine headaches and eye strain. It can also increase your risk for vehicular accidents.

Dental Exam

Dental issues are much simpler to treat the earlier you catch them. What could have been a simple cavity fill can quickly turn into a root canal if you avoid the dentist for too long. Your dental checkup will include x-rays to check the health of your facial bones and for cavities between your teeth, a visual exam, and a cleaning. If you have gum health issues, you may have a descaling treatment to help remove the harmful bacteria that caused the damage. Tell your dentist if something has been bothering your teeth, such as sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures.

Skin Cancer Screening

A dermatology checkup will quickly tell you whether you have any suspicious moles or patches of skin that could be cancerous. Skin cancer can spread quickly, especially melanoma, so it’s very important to get your skin checked by a professional who knows to look between the toes and in other hard-to-see areas. If your skin screening is performed by a general practitioner or a nurse practitioner, you will likely be referred to a skin specialist if an issue is spotted.

Nutrition Checkup

Nutritional needs change as we age and depending on our current physical fitness. That’s why a checkup with a nutritionist or registered dietician is important. Not only can they help you determine if you need to lose weight, but also they can also determine if you are lacking in vitamins and minerals. Establishing a healthy meal plan with a nutritionist will get your physique and energy levels back on track.

Mental Health Checkup

Beyond a basic physical, checking in with a therapist or psychologist is an important way to check up on your mental health. If you are currently taking prescription medications for mood, such as antidepressants, you should check in with your mental health physician at least annually. However, if you are not on medication, it is still important to have mental health checkups and even routine therapy appointments as a healthy means of dealing with fluctuating emotions. Mental health practitioners can teach you stress-handling and stress-reduction techniques as well as help you to identify when mood imbalances may require medication.

If money or insurance coverage are factors keeping you from scheduling these checkups, it is key to know there are solutions. State and federal programs can help you gain insurance coverage if you don’t qualify through your employer. Special accounts, such as a health savings account, can help you reduce the total cost of medical expenses.

Additionally, you can search for or ask around about free programs, which are often available for vaccinations and skin cancer screenings. Taking advantage of these programs can help you catch or prevent issues, which will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

It is important to note that the best investment you can make in your health is considering all of the small choices you make daily. Investing in a healthy diet and daily exercise is the best way to avoid medical issues in the future and extend your quality of life.