Mid-year is the perfect time to take stock of your health and schedule essential checkups that can help prevent long-term issues. Whether you’ve been putting off appointments or are simply unsure of what’s necessary, these seven screenings help maintain wellness across all stages of life.
Primary Care Checkup
An annual visit to your primary care provider helps monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. These simple checks can catch early signs of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions before symptoms appear.
Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., yet many people skip screenings. A full-body skin exam is especially important if you have a history of sun exposure, tanning bed use, or unusual moles.
Dental Cleaning and Oral Exam
Beyond keeping your smile bright, routine dental cleanings help prevent gum disease, which has been linked to other chronic illnesses. Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months.
Eye Exam
Even if you don’t wear glasses, regular eye exams can detect glaucoma, macular degeneration, and signs of systemic disease like diabetes.
Mental Health Check-In
Mid-year stress can build up without you realizing it. A quick check-in with a mental health professional—or even using a self-assessment tool—can help identify anxiety or depression and guide next steps.
Women’s or Men’s Preventative Exams
For women, that may mean a Pap smear, mammogram, or bone density scan. For men, it could involve prostate screening or a testosterone level check depending on age and symptoms. Talk with your provider about what’s right for your age and family history.
Vaccination Review
Whether it’s a tetanus booster, shingles vaccine, or COVID-19/flu shot planning, reviewing your immunization status is a smart mid-year move.
Pro tip: Schedule these appointments during slower months like August or early September before calendars fill up. Think of it as a tune-up—your body will thank you for it.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- American Heart Association
- Cleveland Clinic
- Mayo Clinic
- Johns Hopkins Medicine