What annual health checks should I know?

Do these sentences resonate? 👇

• "A year is a long time, I'll check my health later."
• "I feel fine, so I probably don’t need an exam, right?"
• "I don’t know what to ask during a health exam."

We’ve all been there—pushing off that annual health check because life gets busy or we feel invincible. But those health exams are like a yearly tune-up for your body, keeping everything running smoothly before any issues sneak up on us, so let's dive into a crash course of what makes these understandably intimidating appointments less intense.

"The greatest wealth is health." – Virgil

What do we mean by annual health exams?

Annual health exams are more than just a box to check—they’re your opportunity to take charge of your well-being. For Gen Z, these exams are crucial not just for detecting issues early but also for maintaining overall wellness in a world where stress, fast-paced lifestyles, and constant connectivity can easily take a toll.

What happens during an annual health exam?

• Vitals Check: Your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are checked to ensure your body is functioning properly.
• Blood Tests: Screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar, and other key markers help catch conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol early.
• Physical Exam: A head-to-toe check to spot any signs of health issues that might not be immediately noticeable.
• Vaccinations: Staying up to date on shots like the flu vaccine or tetanus booster helps prevent illness.
• Mental Health Screening: Increasingly, doctors are recognizing the importance of mental well-being, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked about stress, anxiety, or depression.

Why are health exams important for Gen Z?

• Early Detection: Catch potential health issues before they become big problems.
• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups can help you avoid serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes later on.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re in good health can reduce anxiety and help you focus on other areas of your life.
• Building a Health History: Your doctor will keep a record of your health over time, making it easier to spot patterns or changes that need attention.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

• “It feels a little too young for me to worry about health exams.”
  Fact: Health exams aren’t just for older adults. On average, older adults may have more health concerns than young adults or may go to the doctor more often as they age, but health conditions aren't exclusive to age so it's always good to start before you get "old" (whatever our idea of that is). Starting early means you can establish a baseline of your health and tackle any potential issues before they escalate.
• “Yearly seems a little overkill, I can space these out more.”
  Fact: It's true that there isn't a hard-fast rule that an appointment needs to happen every 12 months on the dot, but skipping regular checks like an annual exam could mean missing out on critical insights into your health. It’s like skipping the oil change in your car—things might seem fine now, but you’re risking bigger problems down the road.

"Taking care of yourself is the most powerful way to begin to take care of others." – Bryant McGill

How do YOU feel about your health?

Here are five questions to help you explore your relationship with stress and exhaustion:

1. How often do YOU prioritize preventive health measures?
2. What’s YOUr biggest fear or hesitation about getting an annual health exam?
3. How do YOU keep track of YOUr health stats (like blood pressure or cholesterol) regularly?
4. How comfortable are YOU discussing health with YOUr doctor?
5. What health goals do YOU want to achieve in the next year?

"Healing is not a one-time event; it’s a lifetime commitment to yourself." – Iyanla Vanzant

Click on the dropdowns below to see the easy action items:

Some vibes to close us out

Your health is your foundation—everything else in life builds on it.

By staying on top of your annual exams, you’re investing in a future where you feel good, inside and out.

Remember, this is about you—your life, your health, your peace of mind.

YOU got this. 💭✨

Sources

1. "How Gen Z are reshaping the healthcare industry." World Economic Forum (2023).
2. "Where Can You Get Medical Care Without Insurance?" Healthline (2023).
3. "Your guide to preventative health screenings you should get in your 20s." CBS News HealthWatch (2023).

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