As the year comes to an end, holiday plans often take precedence over long-term health planning. However, the final weeks of the year provide a chance to complete preventive health screenings and annual wellness checks that protect your long-term well-being.
Taking proactive steps now helps you enter the new year with updated information and a stronger partnership with your care team.
Preventive care is not just an administrative task; it forms the basis for early detection, risk reduction, and long-term health stability. Here's a year-end health checklist to help you identify what to complete before the new year starts.
1. Prioritize your annual wellness exam
Your annual wellness visit provides valuable insight into your current health status. More than just a physical exam, it allows your provider to evaluate risk factors, update your medical history, and spot subtle changes that may not be noticeable to you. This visit may include:
- Vital signs and a review of cardiovascular risk
- Discussion about lifestyle (sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise)
- Updates on vaccinations
- Medication review
- Screening for early signs of chronic conditions
Even if you feel well, this visit sets up a baseline that helps detect changes early.
2. Complete routine lab work for a clearer health picture
Routine bloodwork offers insights into how your body is functioning. Many care teams now make ordering labs simple, whether in-person or through virtual care. Important year-end labs include:
- Lipid panel (cholesterol levels)
- A1C or glucose test (diabetes screening)
- Metabolic panel (kidney and liver function)
- Complete blood count
- Thyroid function panel
Finishing these tests before year-end gives you and your provider updated data for the next year.
3. Schedule a mental health check-in.
The end of the year can increase stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. A mental health screening helps you assess your mood, stress management, sleep quality, and cognitive functioning, especially if you've noticed changes recently. You may find a check-in helpful if you're experiencing:
- Persistent low mood
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
Early intervention can prevent symptoms from escalating into the new year.
4. Review your chronic condition management plan
If you're managing a chronic condition, now is the right time to reassess your treatment plan. Whether you have hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, or high cholesterol, a year-end follow-up can ensure everything is on track. This visit may include:
- Reviewing medications and their side effects
- Adjusting doses if needed
- Looking at recent lab trends
- Monitoring symptoms
- Updating action plans for the upcoming year
Effective chronic care management reduces long-term complications.
5. Complete any pending diagnostic tests
If your clinician recommended imaging earlier in the year, now is the time to complete it, especially if you've been managing unresolved symptoms. Common year-end imaging includes:
- X-rays or ultrasounds
- Mammograms or diagnostic breast imaging
- Bone density scans
- CT scans for follow-up concerns
Finishing these tests now ensures nothing important carries over into the next year.
6. Men's and women's preventive health screenings
Preventive screenings vary by age, risk, and sex, but they are crucial for early detection.
Women may be due for:
- Pap smear
- HPV testing
- Mammogram
- Reproductive or hormonal evaluations
Men may need:
- Prostate health discussions
- Hormone or testosterone evaluations
- Testicular exam
Keeping these screenings current significantly improves early detection outcomes.
7. Review your immunizations before the new year
Vaccinations protect against preventable infections and help reduce the severity of illness. Year-end vaccines to confirm include:
- Flu shot
- COVID-19 booster
- Tetanus/Tdap
- HPV vaccine (if applicable)
If you've had frequent respiratory illnesses this year, your provider may recommend additional preventive measures.
8. Conduct a year-end medication review
A medication check ensures you have the right prescriptions, appropriate dosages, and that there are no unaddressed side effects. A year-end review typically includes:
- Updating refills before insurance resets
- Evaluating medications, you may no longer need
- Discussing any adverse effects
- Planning for cost or coverage changes in January
This step prevents delays and helps you start the year fully prepared.
Start your 2026 with confidence & clarity
Taking time at the end of the year to complete your preventive screenings, exams, and follow-ups is one of the best ways to invest in your future health.
At Ascend Medical, our care teams are here to help you stay ahead of your health with easy access to primary care, preventive screenings, mental health support, and chronic-condition management, all designed to fit into your schedule.
If you're ready to start the new year on a stronger footing, book an appointment today and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident you.
