There’s lots to plan for as the new year approaches. For many people, that includes health goals like working out more or cutting back on sugar. However, it’s important to make sure you’re remembering the little stuff. These are simple things you can do for yourself and your family to make sure you’re getting the most out of your health care provider. 

Schedule Checkups

Everyone in the household needs an annual checkup or physical—Mom, Dad, Grandma, Auntie, and the kids. It’s essential to get them done so you can keep track of any health changes that occurred over the last year. They’re important for everyone, but especially for children who are reaching developmental milestones. Missing those checkups could cause you to miss critical moments where intervention is necessary to prevent future issues. The checkups can also lead to recommended screenings which could turn out to be lifesaving

Visit the Gynecologist

Or make the appointment, at least. This visit goes beyond a routine physical. Women should have annual visits to get pelvic and breast exams along with other screenings. Over 100,000 American women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers every year. Staying up to date on screenings is your best defense.

Visit the Dentist

Oral hygiene cannot be overlooked. A beautiful smile and healthy teeth are great. But a number of serious health conditions—cancer, heart disease, or diabetes—can be traced back to poor oral care. If you’re nervous or unclear about common dental procedures, check out our helpful guide. 

Get an Eye Exam

It is something you should do annually if you wear glasses or contacts. You can do it less frequently if you don’t have any vision issues. Your doctor will make recommendations about how often you should see an eye doctor. The younger you are, the less frequently you need to go. Even if you don’t schedule an appointment, there’s plenty you can do to keep your eyesight healthy.

Get Moving

Any activity is good activity. Looking to improve your fitness next year? Start by walking 15 minutes a day. Ideally you should get to a point where you’re walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You’re not doing it to lose weight. You’re doing it for the health of your heart and to lower your blood pressure, helping your body for years to come. If walking isn’t your thing, explore other exercises that are easy for all ages. 

Ask About Skin Screenings

When you visit your doctor for a checkup, ask about any spots that you are concerned about. They can recommend seeing a dermatologist about moles or freckles that are raised or have changed in shape or size since your last visit. Have your skin checked annually if you are at risk for skin cancer—if you work outdoors, or have a family history—or have other skin conditions. Remember, a simple skin routine will help you look and feel your best.

Meal Prep

Bad eating habits are often the result of poor planning. We get busy and, despite good intentions, our healthy eating habits fall to the wayside. Spending one day preparing meals for the week will help us ensure we eat healthier and not neglect nutrition when we don’t have the energy to cook for ourselves or our families. Want to try something new? The Mediterranean and Rainbow diets are popular ways to ensure you’re eating tasty, balanced, and nutrient-rich meals. 

Your Health Partner Now, and for Years to Come

Good health should be simple. It should be easy for you to find doctors who can give you and your family the care you need when you don’t feel well, or when you’re healthy and want to stay that way. And it should be simple for you to find care that’s close to home and doctors who speak your language and understand what’s important to you.

AltaMed is dedicated to helping individuals and families get the right care they need to grow healthy. With primary care, dentistry, pediatrics, women’s health, senior care, pharmacy services, and more, we’ve got you covered now and long into the future. 

To learn more, call us at (888) 499-9303 or visit our Getting Started page.