If you’re like many of us, you make a lot of plans this time of year. Plans for the holidays. For seeing friends and relatives. You buy holiday gifts and start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. But one thing you might not think a lot about is you. Your health, your money, and your future. And experts say that this month of December might be the most important month to take care of you and your family. Why?
9 Reasons to See Your Doctor Before 2026
- The number one reason might be financial. Most health insurance plans have an annual deductible and yearly out-of-pocket maximums. So, if you’ve already met your deductible for 2025, or maximum out-of-pocket expenses, you can save money by getting your check-up this year, before health costs reset and begin all over again on January 1st.*
- A year-end reminder and health discussion. Scheduling your check-ups at the same time every year is an excellent reminder not to let the exam slip too far into the next This is your chance to talk about the past 12 months with your doctor and have personalized conversations about changes you’ve noticed. It’s an ideal time to discuss diet, nutrition, exercise, and your mental health.
- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Benjamin Franklin had it right when he came up with that saying. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), routine screenings for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases help to catch illnesses early, when treatment is most effective and there are fewer complications.**
- Do you still need your current medications or should they change? Routine blood tests and year-end check-ups can help your doctor assess if you still need your medications, and if they’re working as they should. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to realize you won’t always have symptoms of a brewing problem, and a blood test or screening can help determine the real state of your health.
- Immunizations and boosters are important. Peak flu season is between December and February, so it’s critical to stay up to Depending on your age, our doctor may also talk to you about getting other important vaccinations, any chronic conditions you may have, and the state of your overall health.
- Your mental health is as important as your physical This is not a topic to take lightly. The CDC states that poor mental health is directly tied to many chronic physical problems, and that early prevention can stop both health issues from getting worse. If you or a family member suffers from sleep disturbances, anxiety, substance abuse or other emotional concerns, talk to your doctor during your check-up. Mental health issues are much more common than you may think.***
- Monitor your child’s health and growth. Year-end checkups are very important for your children as well as for you. Your doctor will provide all the necessary screenings that you get, plus measure their overall development. This is also your opportunity to discuss any issues they’re having regarding sports, school, or activity-related concerns, sleep patterns, screen time, and general mental health.
- Help elderly parents or loved ones. It’s important that older adults get checked at year’s Medicare and supplemental health care plans also start anew each year, and the financial savings may be particularly important to seniors on a fixed income. Plus, the doctor is the best person to assess any change over the past year that can present a fall risk, lack of balance, general mobility, memory changes or mood shifts, and any adjustments to chronic disease management and medication safety.****
- End the year on the right Knowing where your health stands before the year ends gives you concrete, actionable clarity. When you have this information, you’re better equipped to make informed New Year’s resolutions about diet, exercise, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
So as the year winds down, think of you, your physical health, and your mental well-being. This is your time to take a valuable moment to pause and take stock of your overall health. Life is busy, it’s fun, and it’s often messy, so it’s easy to put medical appointments on the back burner. But an end-of-year visit gives you uninterrupted time with your doctor to look at the bigger picture—how you’re feeling, how your body is functioning, and what might need attention as you head into a new year. It’s a simple way to prioritize yourself before the calendar resets.
It also sets the tone for the year ahead. A check-up provides clarity, reassurance, and a sense of direction, helping you enter January with momentum. Whether you’ve had a great year or a challenging one, this appointment helps you close out the months behind you and step confidently into the next, knowing you’ve taken a meaningful step toward protecting your long-term health and well-being.
For more information on how to schedule a visit with your doctor before the year ends, contact Premier Medical Group at https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/ or call us today at 888-632-6099
*[https://financebuzz.com/end-of-year-health-care-benefits?msockid=1587355a7b346bac26bf21 6a7a9c6ae6
**[https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html]
***[https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html]
****[https://www.hhmglobal.com/health-wellness/the-importance-of-routine-physical-exams-for-ol der-adults]