Prevention Starts Here

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS YOUR YEARLY EXAMS

When life gets busy, annual exams often drop to the bottom of our to-do lists. However, these routine check-ups can be one of the most vital commitments you make to your long-term health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities, and some cancers are particularly effective when detected early. These exams allow healthcare providers to monitor changes in your health over time, helping to identify gradual shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that early intervention for conditions such as osteoporosis, vision decline, and metabolic diseases can improve quality of life as you age.

For young adults, it can be tempting to skip annual exams if you’re feeling healthy. However, these appointments provide more than just medical evaluations. They’re an opportunity to discuss diet, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that can positively impact your future health.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advocates for annual visits as a chance to address any new or concerning symptoms, review immunizations, and assess genetic predispositions. Personalized advice from a healthcare provider can help patients build actionable health plans and prevent problems before they escalate.

With each decade bringing unique health considerations, annual exams are particularly beneficial. Routine exams allow healthcare providers to monitor and address new risks associated with aging, from cardiovascular health in middle age to cognitive and bone health in later years. These exams are highly personalized, accounting for your history, lifestyle, and family health patterns, making them a valuable part of preventive care.

What To Expect By Age

These guidelines help address average risk. Consult with your provider if you have personal or family health concerns that might alter your screening schedule.

20s: Focus areas include reproductive health, mental health, and vaccinations. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks help establish baseline readings, and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are recommended as needed.

30s: Reproductive health, mental health, blood pressure, and cholesterol continue to be monitored. Immunizations are updated as necessary, and discussions around exercise, nutrition, and stress management are typically part of the annual visit.

40s: Exams begin to include cancer screenings, such as mammograms for women, and discussions about prostate health for men. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45. Continued cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings are recommended. Weight management, diet, and exercise are often emphasized.

50s: Screenings for heart health and regular colonoscopies become routine. Bone density exams may be suggested, especially for women. Lifestyle guidance around nutrition and physical activity continues, with added focus on bone health.

60s+: In later years, exams focus on cognitive health, osteoporosis, and monitoring for chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease. Vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia may be recommended. Medication reviews are conducted more frequently to address evolving health needs, with increased screening for age-related conditions.