Check Off Your Health To-Do’s

The transition from season to season each year feels like a natural time to refresh. For many people, fall is the time to put away swimsuits and kick off all kinds of cozy, festive fun—football rivalries, colorful foliage, and sweater-wrapped, pumpkin-spiced everything. So that you can enjoy it all, we’re here to help you feel your best. Which is why we encourage you to check each box on your health to-do list before your days and weeks whisk you right into the new year.

Think about all the outdoor fun you’ve had over the summer and give back to your body by making sure you’re in good health from the inside out. If you’re due for an annual wellness exam, schedule one today. And if you’ve already had one this year, what else can you get squared away?

Your health center care team has created a helpful list below to get you started on your personal to-do’s:

• Vaccinations: Get up-to-date for flu, COVID, shingles, etc. (primary care)
  • Fall is flu season. The CDC recommends most people wait until September or October to be vaccinated as vaccine efficacy wanes after several months and becomes less effective as the season progresses.
  • Not sure which screenings or vaccines you are due for? Our gender-inclusive vaccinations and screenings guide is a good place to start. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to ensure that you are up-to-date on your preventative care.

• Clinical breast and pelvic exams (primary care/gynecologist)
  • Different from a standard annual exam, a well woman visit will include a clinical breast exam and a pelvic exam. You can also discuss sexual health, birth control, menopause symptoms, and any other physical or mental health concerns.

• Blood pressure and cholesterol check (primary care or cardiologist)
  • Managing high blood pressure and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels are vital to your good health. Review your lab work and talk to your provider about lifestyle changes you can make to get and keep a healthy heart.

• Lab work (primary care)
  • Getting lab work done is an important step towards diagnosing and managing chronic conditions.

• Prescription updates and refills (primary care)
  • Symptoms and side effects can change over time. And depending on your age and activity level, your dosages or medications might need to be adjusted. Talk openly with your doctor about what you need and how you feel.

• Everyday health concerns or questions (primary care)
  • Prevent a small issue from becoming a big one by bringing a list of questions and concerns to your appointment. You’ll come away with a plan, next steps, and a clear picture of your health status.

• Mental health check in (behavioral health specialist)
  • Every day is a good day to ask for help, especially if you are struggling with depressive episodes, anxious thoughts, or other mental health issues. Your team is here to help. You are never alone.

• Nutrition and exercise plan (health coach/dietitian)
  • As the weather cools (and baking season starts), your exercise schedule and eating habits may vary. For support and information on what’s right for your body and lifestyle, make a plan with a health coach or dietitian.

• Physical injury/recovery check in (physical therapist)
  • Summer activities can aggravate old injuries—or create new ones. And sitting at a desk all day can create stiff joints and tight muscles. Physical therapy can help heal, stretch, and relieve painful symptoms or injuries.

• Post-summer skin check (dermatologist)
  • Your skin has been more exposed to sunlight over the last few months, so it’s a great time to visit a dermatologist. They can check places like your back, ears, and anywhere else the SPF missed.

• Vision and glasses check-up (navigator referral to an ophthalmologist)
  • Even without all the hours spent staring at various screens, your vision will change over time. If you’re experiencing dry eye, blurred vision, eye fatigue or pain, or trouble seeing, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam.

• Allergy testing and medication (navigator referral to allergist)
  • With the onset of a new season, blooming trees and shrubs can make allergies flare up. Check in to discuss nasal congestion, sneezing, skin reactions, sinus infections, and asthma.

• Colonoscopy (navigator referral to gastroenterologist)
  • If you have a personal or family history of colon polyps, IBS, or cancer, or you’re over the age of 45, it might be time for a colonoscopy. Check our screening guidelines to see if you’re due for yours.

Everyone’s starting line is somewhere different. Choose where you need to begin (your primary care provider can help!) and start fall with a refreshed health plan that will keep you moving, eating well, and feeling your best.