Debunking Myths & Sharing Insights from an RN (January)

“Is it better to schedule my annual exam at the start of the year or wait until something feels off?”

From a medical perspective, it’s usually better to schedule your annual exam while you feel well rather than waiting until something feels off. Think of your annual exam as a “maintenance visit”. You’re checking the basics, updating routine labs as needed, and making sure screenings and vaccines aren’t missed. And since many plans cover preventive visits at no cost with in-network care, it’s a simple way to stay ahead without waiting for a problem to develop. Booking earlier in the year can also help with logistics because appointments, lab slots, imaging, and referrals tend to fill up, and it gives you time to follow up if anything needs a second look.

Waiting until you feel bad can work against you, because a lot of common issues don’t cause noticeable symptoms early on. Things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and even some cancers can creep up quietly. Finding them sooner usually means more straightforward next steps and fewer curveballs later. If you do notice a new or worsening issue, that’s a reason to be seen sooner for a focused problem visit, not to “hold it” for your annual.

Takeaway: take advantage of the preventive visit while you feel well, and if something feels off, don’t wait.

“How often do I actually need dental cleanings and vision exams, and what happens if I skip a year?”
Most adults do well with dental cleanings every 6 months, but the proper schedule depends on your risk. If you have gum disease, lots of tartar buildup, dry mouth, diabetes, smoke or vape, wear braces or aligners, or get cavities often, your dentist may recommend cleanings every 3 to 4 months. For vision, many adults should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years. Go yearly if you wear contacts, have diabetes or high blood pressure, have a strong family history of eye disease, take meds that can affect vision, or have glaucoma risk. Kids often need more frequent vision checks as they grow, and anyone who notices sudden vision changes should be seen right away.

Skipping a year can be fine for some people, but it increases the risk that a small problem will grow in the background. Teeth build tartar that brushing can’t touch, gums can get inflamed, and cavities or gum disease can move from “no big deal” to “now we need treatment”. With vision, you can miss early glaucoma or retinal changes from diabetes or high blood pressure, and you may not realize your prescription has changed until you’re getting headaches, squinting, or feeling eye strain.

Takeaway: stick with a routine schedule, then adjust it with your dentist or eye doctor based on what they’re seeing.Top of Form