January is when good intentions are still fresh — and it’s also the easiest time to take care of the health basics that tend to get pushed aside once the year fills up. The good news? Preventive care doesn’t have to be a major time commitment. In fact, many people can complete their most important annual health checkups in about three hours total.
We’re talking about the “big three”: your annual wellness visit, a dental cleaning, and a vision exam. Each appointment is relatively short on its own, but together they create a strong foundation for the year ahead. Research shows that people who stay current with preventive care are more likely to catch issues early, avoid more complex treatments later, and spend less time dealing with health disruptions throughout the year [1].
The key is efficiency. Scheduling preventive visits early — before calendars get crowded — reduces last-minute scrambling and makes it easier to get preferred appointment times. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you’ve checked the boxes that protect your long-term health.
Convenience plays a big role here, too. Care that fits into real life is care people actually use. That’s why many BHT members rely on Nice for primary care needs. In addition to virtual visits, Nice offers in-office and, for many members, care delivered right at the workplace. That means fewer commutes, less time away from work, and quicker answers when something comes up. According to consumer health surveys, access and convenience are among the top reasons people delay care — even when cost isn’t a barrier [2].
Getting ahead of preventive care also helps keep small concerns from becoming bigger disruptions. Something as routine as a blood pressure check or dental exam can surface early warning signs that are easier to address when caught early. Preventive visits aren’t just about checking a box — they’re about keeping momentum on your side.
Think of January as a short reset window. A few focused appointments now can save hours — and stress — later in the year. When care is fast, accessible, and designed around your schedule, staying on top of your health feels far more doable.
Sources:
[1] Cleveland Clinic. “The Importance of Preventive Health Care.”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/prophylaxis-preventive-care
[2] Kaiser Family Foundation. “Why People Delay Getting Health Care.”
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/why-people-delay-getting-health-care/
[3] Nice Healthcare. “Primary Care Services.”
https://www.nice.healthcare/services/primary-care
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