Staying healthy isn’t just about eating well or exercising. One of the most important steps you can take for your health is to schedule annual checkups.
Annual checkups, also known as annual exams, yearly physicals, or physical exams, are appointments with your doctor to review your overall health. They focus on preventive care, early detection of health problems, and guidance to help you live a healthier life.
These yearly visits are a chance to screen for physical conditions, discuss lifestyle habits, and even screen for mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. Taking the time to check in with your doctor can make a huge difference in how you feel now and in the future.
What is an annual checkup?
An annual checkup is a yearly appointment with your healthcare provider to review your overall health and well-being. It is not just for when you are sick — it is preventive care designed to help you stay healthy and catch problems early.
During a checkup, your provider may:
- Measure height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure
- Check your heart, lungs, and abdomen
- Review your medications, immunizations, and medical history
- Order blood tests or other screenings
- Screen for mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, or stress
- Discuss lifestyle habits, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress
By checking your health regularly, your doctor can spot small changes before they become serious problems.
Why do you need an annual checkup?
Seeing your doctor once a year helps you establish a baseline for your health. When you visit regularly, your provider can notice changes that may indicate the beginning of a health problem.
Annual physical exams help:
- Detect early signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease
- Identify risk factors that may affect your long-term health
- Suggest lifestyle changes to improve diet, exercise, and stress management
- Address both physical and mental health concerns
Early detection of health issues means treatment can be more effective, and you can maintain a better quality of life.
Benefits of annual checkups
1. Detect health issues early
One of the main benefits of annual checkups is early detection. Many health problems do not show obvious symptoms at first, including:
- Certain cancers (breast, cervical, colon, prostate, and lung)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
Screenings at annual checkups can help detect these conditions before they become life-threatening. Catching issues early often makes treatment easier and more effective.
2. Prevent chronic diseases
Regular checkups can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Your doctor can monitor your health and offer guidance to prevent conditions like:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Obesity
Preventing chronic diseases can improve your quality of life and reduce future health complications.
3. Vaccinations
During your checkup, your provider can review your immunization status. Depending on your age, sex, and health history, you may need vaccines to protect against diseases like:
- Influenza (flu)
- Pneumonia
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination to prevent illnesses at every stage of life. Staying up-to-date on vaccines is a simple but important step in protecting your health.
4. Discuss family health history
Your family’s medical history can provide clues about your risk for certain diseases. During your checkup, your doctor may ask about illnesses in your family, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Mental health conditions
Knowing your family history allows you and your doctor to take proactive steps to reduce your risk.
5. Screen for mental health conditions
Physical health is important, but mental health matters just as much. Annual checkups are an opportunity to discuss stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being.
Your doctor can:
- Ask questions about your mood, sleep, energy, and stress levels
- Screen for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Provide resources or referrals for therapy, counseling, or support groups
Addressing mental health early can prevent problems from escalating and improve your overall quality of life.
6. Build a relationship with your doctor
Annual checkups help you establish a strong relationship with your primary care provider. Getting to know your doctor ensures:
- Personalized advice and care
- Better communication about your health concerns
- Confidence in following medical recommendations
A good doctor-patient relationship makes it easier to stay on track with preventive care and maintain long-term health.
What to expect during an annual checkup
Your annual checkup is a comprehensive review of your health. A typical visit may include:
- Medical History Review – Discuss past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family health history.
- Vital Signs Check – Measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, and weight.
- Physical Exam – Examine your heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and joints.
- Screenings – Blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies; includes mental health screening.
- Vaccinations – Update immunizations based on your age and risk factors.
- Lifestyle Discussion – Receive guidance on diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep.
At the end of the visit, your provider will give you recommendations and next steps to maintain or improve your health.
Schedule your annual checkup today
Your health is one of your most valuable assets. Annual checkups are a small commitment that can have a big impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Don’t wait until you feel sick. Call 1-844-665-4827 to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.
