Spring is a great time to start over because the weather is getting warmer and routines are changing. A lot of people think about cleaning out their closets or deep-cleaning their homes. But your health needs the same care.
Taking care of yourself before you get sick is one of the best ways to stay healthy for a long time. Making regular appointments now can help you find problems early, avoid problems, and feel your best as summer approaches.
Here are some things you might want to add to your spring health checklist.
Physical Exam Every Year
The yearly wellness visit is the most important part of preventive care.
Even if you feel fine, an annual physical lets your doctor:
• Look over your medical history and the drugs you take
• Look at blood pressure, weight, and other important signs
• Look for early signs of long-term health problems
• Talk about things like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress that affect your way of life.
Many conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early diabetes, may not show any signs at first. A simple exam and some basic lab work can tell you a lot about your health.
Routine Lab Testing and Bloodwork
If it has been more than a year since your last routine lab, spring is a great time to get them done again.
Some common preventive labs are:
• Panel for cholesterol
• Checking blood sugar
• Testing how well the thyroid works
• Levels of vitamins
• Checking how well the kidneys and liver work
These tests help find small changes before they turn into bigger problems. Making small changes early on can stop bigger problems from happening later.
Screenings for Women’s Health
Women need preventive care more than men do because some conditions can develop without any obvious signs.
Your provider may suggest the following based on your age and medical history:
• Cervical cancer screening and pap smear
• Mammogram
• Checking bone density
• Checking hormones
Keeping up with recommended screenings helps find problems early, when treatment is usually most effective.
Check on your heart health
Heart disease is still one of the biggest health problems for women, but the signs can be hard to spot.
This is a good time to think about:
• High blood pressure
• Levels of cholesterol
• Risk based on family history
• Lifestyle choices that affect heart health
Taking care of risk factors early, like high cholesterol or pre-hypertension, can make a big difference in long-term problems.
Check Your Skin Before Summer
A skin check is an important step to take before spending more time in the sun.
Think about making plans:
• A skin exam by a professional if you have risk factors
• A checkup of moles that are new or changing
• A talk about how to protect your skin from the sun and avoid skin cancer
Regular checks are very important because skin cancer is very treatable if caught early.
Updates on vaccines
Spring is also a good time to check your vaccinations.
Your provider can check to see if you are up to date on:
• Boosters for tetanus• Vaccine for shingles
• Vaccine for pneumonia (if you can get it)• Regular vaccinations for adults
Getting your vaccines on time protects you and the people around you.
Check-in for Mental Health
Preventive care isn’t just for your physical health. Changes in the seasons, work demands, and family duties can all have an effect on emotional health.
Talk about the following things during your appointment:
• How stressed you are• How you sleep
• Changes in mood or anxiety
• Tiredness or burnout
Mental health is an important part of being healthy overall. Early help can really make a difference.
Why Preventive Care Is Important
A lot of long-term illnesses start slowly and without any obvious signs. The condition may already be advanced by the time warning signs show up.
Your provider can do the following during preventive visits:
• Find risk factors early
• Make health plans that are unique to each person
• Give advice on how to live your life
• Keep an eye on changes from year to year
Think of it as regular maintenance—small, regular check-ins that keep your health on track.
A New Beginning for Your Health
Spring is a time for new beginnings and getting ready for the months to come. Making appointments for preventive care now will help you feel confident and in control of your health when summer comes.
Routine appointments aren’t just another thing on your to-do list; they’re an investment in your long-term health.
This time of year is a great reminder to put yourself first, make an appointment, and take the next step toward a healthier year ahead.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, a practicing internist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, has over two decades of expertise in healthcare. As the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program, she is dedicated to fostering comprehensive, patient-centered care.