A constant cough. A worrisome mole. A sprained ankle. When issues like these crop up, most of us are pretty quick to make a doctor’s appointment. But there’s also good reason to schedule an annual checkup, or physical, with your primary care provider even when you’re feeling great.

These appointments can be vital for spotting subtle changes in your health that you might not notice on your own. They also help keep you up to date on potentially lifesaving screenings and tests. And they’re the perfect opportunity to discuss any health concerns or ask any questions you might have.

Whether you’re overdue for your annual checkup or scheduling your first one ever, here’s some expert advice for making the most out of your one-on-one time with your provider.

Know What to Expect

You’ll feel more prepared for your visit — and perhaps more empowered — if you understand what’s going to happen while you’re there. You can always ask for a quick overview of what to expect when you’re scheduling the appointment. Annual checkups can vary but often include:

• Reviewing your medical history and family health history. If you’re not sure about your parents’ or siblings’ medical history, give them a quick call before your appointment, if you can.
• Asking questions about any other doctors or specialists you might need to see.
• Reviewing your medications and any treatment plans you might be following.
• Measuring your height and weight.
• Checking your blood pressure.
• Doing bloodwork to check your cholesterol, blood sugar, and/or thyroid, liver, and kidney functions. You might need to fast (avoid eating) for 8 or more hours beforehand. Ask when you schedule your appointment.
• Discussing any age-related concerns, such as memory loss, balance, and fall prevention.
• Discussing which health screenings might be recommended in the year ahead. Depending on your age and sex, some commonly recommended screenings include:
  • Breast or cervical cancer.
  • Diabetes.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Prostate cancer.
  • Colorectal cancer.

Have Your Questions Ready

During your physical, your doctor will ask plenty of questions about your health and daily habits. But now is a great time to ask your questions too. Writing down your questions or concerns ahead of time can help you make sure you don’t forget anything.

Keep in mind that no question is too small or silly. Your doctor has heard it all and is there to provide care. They may assume you already know the answer if you don’t raise a specific question. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some things to think about:

• The meaning of any unfamiliar medical terms. Don’t understand the difference between an infarction and an infection? You’re hardly alone. Ask your doctor to explain any words or terms that are new or confusing to you.
• The nitty-gritty details of your medications. Even if you’ve been taking a prescription for a while, it’s never too late to ask for clarification on why you’re taking it and how to take it properly. Your questions might include:
  • Should I eat before I take this?
  • Does taking it on an empty stomach mean I can eat right afterward? Or should I wait a while?
  • Does time of day matter?
  • Are there any side effects I should know about? Do you have advice for easing them?
  • Is it all right to take this with my other medications or supplements?
  • Is there a cheaper option that works just as well?
• The reasoning behind any tests, screenings, or procedures. The more information you have, the easier it is to play an active role in your own care. Whatever your doctor is recommending, they expect you to have questions. Some common ones include:
  • What’s the purpose of this test?
  • What steps does it involve?
  • How should I prepare for it?
  • Are there any dangers or side effects?
  • How and when will I find out the results?
• The best place to find more info or resources. Your doctor has a wealth of knowledge. That includes knowing which websites, printed materials, specialists, and support groups might make sense for you and your health. If you’re curious about which websites to trust or how to find a specialist for your condition, speak up. If your doctor doesn’t have an immediate answer, they can help find it for you.

Take Action

It’s easy to let scheduling an annual physical slide toward the bottom of your to-do list, especially if you’re prioritizing your family’s health or are under a lot of stress at work. But remember: You can’t take care of your loved ones or meet your deadlines if you’re not healthy.

If you’re due for your annual checkup, call your primary care physician’s office to schedule one today. And be sure to mention that it’s for an annual physical so they allot the right amount of time for the appointment.