If you’re one of those people who think you don’t need to go to the doctor because you’re not sick, think again! That once-yearly visit to your primary care provider has many short- and long-term benefits for you and others in your family.

“Sometimes we take our health for granted, particularly when we’re young adults,” says Gabrielle Janes, nurse practitioner at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common. “Regular physicals are the time for reconnecting with patients on health goals, doing wellness checks and detecting issues early. And, importantly, these visits build the relationships and resources you may need if you do get sick.”

Here are the top reasons Janes says you should schedule that appointment.

Many serious illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol develop quietly with no early symptoms. Annual exams include blood work and screenings that can identify problems long before they become dangerous.

Catching health concerns early means:

• Easier, more effective treatment
• Lower risk of complications
• Fewer long‑term healthcare costs

Wellness visits allow your provider to track trends year after year. This helps them spot small changes that may signal bigger issues.

During your annual physical, your provider reviews:

• Heart and lung health
• Blood pressure
• Sleep patterns
• Nutrition and exercise habits
• Immunizations
• Lifestyle risk factors
• Dental and eye‑care status
• Your personal health goals

“With regular visits, early intervention can prevent or reduce long‑term complications,” Janes says.

When you’re seen consistently, your provider becomes familiar with your history, your goals and what’s normal for your body.

That relationship makes it easier to:

• Get support when you’re sick
• Discuss sensitive health concerns
• Receive personalized care
• Create plans that match your lifestyle

“A lot of times these are happy appointments,” Janes says. “We celebrate patients’ progress, identify risks early and serve as reliable partners in their wellness journey.”

For adults older than 65, annual physicals and, in some cases, more frequent visits help manage age‑related changes.

Providers monitor:

• Chronic conditions
• Medications and potential interactions
• Mental health and memory
• Mobility, balance and safety

These visits help maintain independence and quality of life as people age.

Ignoring symptoms or skipping regular checkups increases the risk of serious health problems. Regular monitoring helps prevent hospitalizations, emergency department visits and costly long‑term treatments.

Most insurances cover annual wellness visits at 100 percent. Providers can work with patients without insurance to minimize visits and sometimes may be able to assist patients in finding coverage.

Don’t have a primary care provider? Tidelands Health has you covered with easy-to-book appointments. Conveniently make an appointment through the My Tidelands Health app or by calling 1-866-TIDELANDS.