Your Annual Health Checklist: Essential Appointments to Prioritize Each Year

Keeping up with regular doctor’s appointments is one of the most effective ways to maintain good health and catch potential issues early. Here’s our guide to the essential appointments you should schedule each year, tailored to your age and individual health needs.

General Health

1. Physical Exam or Primary Care Provider (PCP) Visit Annual visits with your PCP are crucial for monitoring your overall health. These appointments help establish your personal health baseline, provide opportunities for early detection of issues, and allow you to discuss preventive care options, vaccinations, ongoing symptoms and any health concerns.

2. Lab Work Routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel, are standard components of an annual physical. At The Lanby, we go beyond the basics by offering an advanced blood panel that evaluates over 85 biomarkers. This comprehensive approach provides an in-depth analysis of your hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and nutrient health. Additionally, we assess your results against optimal ranges, rather than solely relying on the CDC's "normal" benchmarks, to ensure a more precise understanding of your overall well-being.

3. Mental Health Check Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Scheduling at least one session with a therapist annually can help you manage stress, reflect on your emotional state, and address minor concerns before they escalate. Some individuals may benefit from more frequent visits based on their needs.

4. Diet and Exercise Consultation A yearly meeting with a dietitian or personal trainer can provide expert advice tailored to your health goals. Dietitians can help optimize nutrition strategies, while personal trainers can design customized fitness plans to support your lifestyle.

Dental and Vision Health

1. Dental Health Regular dental check-ups every 6 months are key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. These visits also ensure plaque and tartar buildup are removed effectively.

2. Eye Health Annual eye exams are essential for detecting changes in vision and identifying eye diseases early. Eye exams can also reveal signs of over 270 systemic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Age-Specific Recommendations

Ages 18-29

• Screenings: Blood pressure every 2 years, cholesterol if at high risk, STD screening if sexually active.
• Vaccinations: Annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, Tdap booster every 10 years, HPV vaccine series (available up to the age of 45).

Ages 30-49

• Screenings: Blood pressure , cholesterol, glucose testing every 3 years if overweight or at risk, annual skin exams.
• Vaccinations: Annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine.

Ages 50-64

• Screenings: some text
  • Colon cancer screening every 10 years starting at 45 or sooner depending on risk. 
  • Lung cancer screening starting at 50 if has a 20 pack year history of smoking, currently smoking, or smoked within the last 15 years.
  • Mammograms for women every 1-2 years starting at 40. 
  • Prostate cancer screening for men starting at 50 or less if high risk.
  • Osteoporosis screening starting at 65 or earlier if at risk.
• Vaccinations: Annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, Pneumonia vaccine, shingles vaccine, Tdap booster.

Ages 65+

• Screenings: Annual vision and hearing tests, bone density tests (every 2-3 years), kidney function tests.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: Recommended for those with multiple chronic conditions.

Gender-Specific Recommendations

For Women

• Pap smears (every 3-5 years, ideally every year, starting age 30-65).
• Regular breast self-exams starting in your 20s and annual mammograms starting at age 40, if not earlier pending risk factors and family history.
• Osteoporosis screening starting at age 65 or earlier if at risk.

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For Men

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests starting at age 50 or earlier if high risk. 
• Cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring for cardiovascular health.

Family History and Special Considerations

1. Cancer: Early screenings and genetic counseling/testing if there is a family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or other cancers.

2. Heart Disease: Regular cardiovascular evaluations for those with a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure.

3. Diabetes: Frequent blood glucose monitoring for individuals with a family history of diabetes or elevated A1C levels.

4. Dermatology: Annual skin exams, especially for those with a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer.

By staying proactive with these yearly appointments and tailoring your health care plan to your specific needs, you can take significant steps toward maintaining a healthy and balanced life. Make these appointments a priority in your calendar and invest in your long-term well-being.