When you’re healthy, it’s easy to let that annual doctor visit slip off your radar. After all, do you really need to see your healthcare provider when you don’t need healthcare?
Actually, you do. Henry Ford Health family medicine physician Ellen Tumbarella, D.O., explains why you should book that checkup even when you’re feeling fine.
Disease Risk Factors
Seeing your provider isn’t just about addressing your current health concerns. A big part of regular healthcare involves preventing medical conditions from developing in the future.
“Many people feel perfectly healthy but have risk factors for certain conditions and don’t know it,” explains Dr. Tumbarella. “A risk factor doesn’t mean you will get the disease, but it does mean you have a higher chance. Knowing about these risk factors allows us to take steps to avoid health problems before they start.”
You may not know about your risk factors until you get routine tests and preventive screenings during your checkup. “Blood tests can give your provider a snapshot of your overall health,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “Combined with a blood pressure check and a physical exam, we can determine your risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. We can also spot signs of infections or other issues.”
The Importance of Cancer Screenings
Cancer screenings look for signs of cancers and pre-cancers before you have symptoms. So it makes sense to have these tests done when you’re healthy. Your provider can also help you decide which cancer screenings will benefit you based on your unique risk factors.
“When we catch cancers early, treatment is usually easier and more successful,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “Normal results on your cancer screenings can also help give you peace of mind.”
Family Health History Provides Clues
Another part of disease prevention is knowing your family history of health issues. Your provider will ask you about health issues that have affected your immediate family members. But don’t assume you can skip your checkup if your family history is perfect.
“Many people mistakenly think they don’t need to worry about chronic conditions that don’t run in the family,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “But many diseases happen without a family history. It’s one piece of the puzzle but not the whole story.”
Shots Can Save Lives
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults benefit from vaccines that prevent diseases like the flu, shingles and whooping cough.
“Every year, thousands of adults end up in the hospital or even die from vaccine-preventable diseases,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “During your checkup, we can review which vaccines you need and keep you updated so you’re always protected.”
Spotting Sneaky Symptoms
You might overlook seemingly minor health issues if you’re busy with everyday life. Having trouble sleeping, but you just pour the coffee and keep moving? Getting regular headaches, but you pop some pain reliever and forget it? These “minor” health problems might point to a condition that needs treatment, and your provider can help.
“Part of an annual visit involves having a conversation about how you feel every day,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “Providers ask about subtle symptoms that many people ignore. We’re looking for signs you may think are normal—but healthcare providers know are not."
Mental Health Matters
Seeing your provider isn’t just about your physical health. Good mental health is also essential, and your provider can help you achieve it.
“Mental illness can affect anyone, at any age, and many people aren’t getting the care they deserve,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “Two-thirds of all cases of depression are undiagnosed and untreated. And fewer than half of people with anxiety are receiving treatment for this disease.”
There’s also the topic of substance use. If you're struggling with alcohol or substances, your provider is the best person to talk to. “We are here to listen, not judge,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “Addiction is a medical condition, and we can help you get the treatment you need.”
Get Social Support
Everyday needs like housing, transportation and food are key to your well-being. And if you need help getting any of these things, your provider has resources to help.
“Healthcare providers work closely with case managers and social workers,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “These professionals advocate for patients and help them access community services and support. Many people don’t know how to access these services, but healthcare providers do it every day.”
Your Health Is Worth It
An annual checkup might feel like one more thing on your to-do list, but think of it as the ultimate self-care. “We find many health issues during routine annual exams,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “And even if you’re perfectly healthy, the checkup provides a baseline of your health. We can compare your test results when you return next year and the year after, allowing us to spot health issues early.”
Regular checkups don’t take your time—they save you time and stress. And if your provider does find a health issue, that checkup might even save your life.
“Regular preventive care is about helping you get and stay healthy,” says Dr. Tumbarella. “When you feel your best, you have more time and energy to do the things you love.”
Reviewed by Dr. Ellen Tumbarella, a family medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Troy.
