5 Annual Check-Ups You Should Have at Any Age

Over the years, medical professionals have often disagreed over the importance of receiving a yearly physical. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, your provider, and the status of your health. We're not saying you shouldn't ever schedule a physical, but, depending on your age and health status, you might be able to skip getting your physical for a year or two.

Now, it's no secret that medical bills are a huge determining factor when someone decides against seeking preventative healthcare. But the costs of going to urgent care can be shocking. So you're better off finding a health insurance plan that works for your budget. Additionally, many hospitals and medical facilities around the country offer financial aid in one way or another, so please don't hesitate to ask your providers for information or help with filing the paperwork necessary to make your healthcare more affordable.

Enough of that, let's get to the good stuff. Here are five annual check-ups you should be getting, no matter your age.

Internal Medicine

Although you don't necessarily need to visit your family doctor or primary care provider (PCP) for an annual physical, you should visit them or any other professionally trained internist for an internal medicine check-up. A visit to an internist will usually include the collection of a stool sample to help determine if you have any ongoing gastrointestinal, bowel, or colon issues. Early detection of any of the previously mentioned issues will help you and your medical team to develop a treatment plan best suited for you and your diagnosis.

Of course, scheduled visits with your PCP will vary depending on your unique medical history and health needs.

Vaccinations

No matter your age, you should be keeping up with your vaccinations every year. However, the vaccinations you'll need will vary and change depending on your age range, sex, and ongoing/underlying health conditions. We won't get into all of that here, but here is a helpful link to the CDC's vaccination guidelines.

Dermatology

This is especially important if you have a family history of skin cancer. Not only can dermatologists help detect and treat skin cancer, but they can also help you treat other skin conditions, like eczema, persistent acne, or scar treatment. You can even go to your dermatologist if you are having trouble with your hair or nails!

Audiology

Hearing loss can be easy to ignore, but that doesn't make it any less important. Like many other medical check-ups, audiolocial evaluations aren't exclusively for those already experiencing issues with their (insert malady here), they can help diagnose underlying medical conditions and catch potential problems and prevent any further damage before it's too late. The older you get, the more common it is for you to begin experiencing hearing loss, but if you work in a noisy environment, you've noticed yourself asking those around you to repeat themselves more than normal, or are experience ringing in your ears, it may be time to begin scheduling your annual audiological visits.

Dentistry

Much of your dental health is up to you and how you care for yourself on a daily basis, but it's still important to see your dentist at least twice a year. Even with the best oral health regimen, cavities, plaque, and tartar can develop. Visiting your dentist regularly will help alleviate any oral health issues, while also giving your dentist an opportunity to diagnose any gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral diseases.

These are all important appointments to schedule on an annual basis, but if you are experiencing any unusual or concerning symptoms, don't wait for your next upcoming appointment. Speak with a medical professional as soon as possible. As important as these regular check-ups are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, please don't replace your full physical with these few annual visits. Again, your medical needs and health maintenance varies due to a few factors, with the most important of those being your age.