Annual Medical Appointments You Shouldn’t Skip

04 Jul Annual Medical Appointments You Shouldn’t Skip

When life gets busy, it’s easy to push routine checkups aside. But taking care of your health is one of the most important forms of self-care. These annual medical appointments aren’t just about preventing problems—they’re about making sure you have the health and energy to show up fully for everything else on your plate.

Let’s break down the annual medical appointments every adult should schedule this year and how your digital planner can help you stay on track, stress-free.

1. Primary care checkup

Your annual physical helps monitor your overall health. It’s where you can get routine labs, review prescriptions, update vaccinations, and discuss any lingering concerns with your doctor.

Recommended for: All adults, once per year

🧠Health Smart:  Ask about age-specific screenings like cholesterol, blood sugar, and cancer checks.📓 Check out Altru’s Annual Physical Exam Checklist to make the most of your visit.

Artful Tip: Add a recurring yearly event called “Wellness Check” to your calendar. Include the clinic name and phone number in the notes so it’s easy to book when the time comes.

2. Dental cleaning and exam

Dental health impacts more than just your smile. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease, heart issues, and expensive procedures later.

Recommended for: Everyone, every six months
📅 Planning Insight: Schedule both cleanings at the start of the year for peace of mind.

📓 Artful Tip: Color-code your dental visits in a custom “Self Care” category and set a reminder a week in advance, you’ll thank yourself when the calendar gets full.

3. Eye exam

Even if you don’t wear glasses, an annual eye exam is a good idea. Eye doctors can spot signs of serious health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or glaucoma.

Recommended for: Adults yearly, or as needed for vision correction
👁️Wellness Reminder: If you work at a screen all day, let your provider know about eye fatigue.

📓 Artful Tip: Use your Habit Tracker to note when you have eye strain or headaches. You’ll walk into your appointment with helpful insights already logged.

4. Dermatology visit

A full-body skin check can catch early signs of skin cancer, especially if you have moles, freckles, or a history of sun exposure. Prevention here really is powerful.

Recommended for: Adults annually or more often if you’re high risk
📸Smart Move: Take photos of spots you’re watching and bring them to your appointment.

📓 Artful Tip: Save a link to your mole map or any notes from your dermatologist directly in the description box of the event. It’s a great way to keep the information organized for future reference.

5. OB/GYN or reproductive health exam

This yearly visit is important even if you’re not pregnant or trying to conceive. Your doctor can monitor reproductive health, screen for cancer, and help manage hormonal changes.

Recommended for: Anyone with female reproductive organs, yearly
👩🏻‍⚕️Helpful Note: Make a list of questions in advance. Your future self will thank you!

📓 Artful Tip: Label this appointment “Well Woman Visit” in your calendar and add a feminine sticker or motivating quote to make it feel empowering instead of stressful.

6. Mental health check-in

You don’t need a diagnosis to talk to someone about your mental health. Whether it’s therapy, a psychiatrist, or a primary care conversation, taking care of your emotional well-being matters.

Recommended for: Everyone
💡Takeaway: Therapy can help with more than crises; it’s great for goal setting, boundaries, and processing life changes.

📓 Artful Tip: Create a list in the Lists tab to log sleep, movement, or mood patterns. These small data points can help you and your provider spot trends more easily.

7. Additional screenings by age or risk

As you get older, there are a few more things to keep on your radar. Your provider may recommend:

• Mammograms
  
• Colonoscopies
  
• Bone density scans
  
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
  

📓 Artful Tip: Create a “Health Checklist” in your Lists tab to keep track of what you’ve completed and what’s due next. It’s a simple way to feel more in control of your health timeline.

💖 Make your health part of your plan

Being proactive about your health doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With Artful Agenda, it’s easy to keep track of annual medical appointments, wellness goals, and important follow-ups—all in one beautiful, functional place.

Try Artful Agenda free for two weeks and bring calm, clarity, and creativity to your busy life.