Michael O’Neill, MD, gives advice on annual health checkups, screenings and vaccinations: “These really can save your life”

It’s probably not at the top of many people’s to-do lists, if at all, as the end of the year rolls around. However, Dr. Michael O’Neill says that “a few quick check-ins now” with your primary care provider “can help you start the new year healthier.”

Even if you might be feeling healthy as a horse, speaking to your doctor and getting some simple tests and screening done can help catch any problems early before they turn serious. As well as, making sure your vaccines are up to date can ensure that you lower your risk of serious illness through the winter months.

What should be on your end of the year health checklist?

First and foremost, you should be paying your doctor a visit at least once a year to get a physical. “Your annual exam is one of the most important tools for catching problems early — before they become more serious,” explains Dr. O’Neill.

The primary care provider at Hartford HealthCare Medical Group says it also provides a chance to share information about any “lifestyle changes, stress or any concerns that you might have – no matter how small they seem.”

You should take the opportunity to go over all the medications and supplements that you are taking so “your doctor can make sure they’re all safe together, and that you’re not missing anything important.” Remember to bring a list so that none of them get missed.

Furthermore, you can make sure that you are up to date on your vaccine boosters. “Adults need regular vaccines too… Vaccines help protect you and the people around you from severe illness,” says Dr. O’Neill.

Keeping track of your heart health

As we get older the risk of developing heart disease increases. That’s why it is important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked on an annual basis, more often if your numbers are high.

“High blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t typically cause obvious symptoms. But they’re two of the biggest risk factors for heart disease,” notes Dr. O’Neill.

Cancer screening “really can save your life”

Catching cancer early is one of the surest ways of beating this ailment that affects millions of people in various forms. “Screenings for colon, breast, cervical and prostate cancer are some of the most important tools we have in medicine,” Dr. O’Neill points out.

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group provides guidelines for when you should have yours done:

• Breast:
  • Mammograms every year or two, starting at age 40-45, earlier for women who are high-risk
• Cervical:
  • Pap test every 3 years from 21 to 29.
  • Pap plus HPV test every 3-5 years from 30 to 65
• Colon:
  • Men and women should start at age 45, earlier with family history.
• Prostate:
  • Discuss PSA testing with your doctor beginning around age 50, or earlier if you’re Black or have a family history.

“The guidelines depend on your age, gender and risk factors, but your doctor can help guide you through the process. These really can save your life,” emphasizes Dr. O’Neill.

You should also have your skin examined on an annual basis to spot potential skin cancer early. If you have “abnormal moles, lots of sun exposure or a family history of melanoma,” you should have your skin checked more frequently advises the health provider.

Don’t let issues with your eyes slip by

The loss of eyesight can affect your overall health as well as be a reflection of it. Even if you don’t think anything is wrong, “a yearly eye exam, especially after age 40 or if you wear glasses or contacts,” will make it easier to address issues before they become noticeable advises Hartford HealthCare.

Mental health issues can be a ticking time bomb

Mental health is on par with your physical health and should not be overlooked, notes Dr. O’Neill, as it “affects everything – your relationships, work and even physical health.”

“If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression or burnout, don’t wait until the new year to reach out for help,” he adds.

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