Summer is known for sunshine, vacations, and a more relaxed pace—but it’s also the perfect time to refocus on your health. Between school breaks, lighter work schedules, and longer days, summer offers an ideal opportunity to catch up on preventive care appointments and screenings that may have fallen to the bottom of your to-do list.
We often encourage patients to use this time of year to take control of their health. From routine physicals to important screenings and vaccinations, preventive care helps you stay ahead of potential health concerns and build a strong foundation for long-term wellness.
What Is Preventive Care—and Why Does It Matter?
Preventive care refers to the routine check-ups, screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle counseling that help detect or prevent illnesses before they become serious. Many health issues—including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and even some cancers—can develop silently over time. Preventive care allows us to catch these conditions early or stop them from occurring at all.
Some of the most common types of preventive care include:
- Annual physicals and wellness visits
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Blood sugar (A1C) testing
- Cancer screenings (such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies)
- Immunizations and boosters
- Mental health screenings
- Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
The good news? Most preventive care services are covered at no cost under insurance plans, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.
Why Summer Is an Ideal Time for Preventive Health Appointments
1. Easier Scheduling Flexibility
Many people find it easier to take time off from work or school during the summer months. Whether you’re between semesters, using vacation time, or your calendar has more open windows, it’s often easier to book and attend appointments without the pressure of a packed schedule.
If your children are home from school, summer is also a great time to knock out back-to-school physicals, immunizations, and sports clearance exams—before the August and September rush hits.
2. Get Ahead Before Cold & Flu Season
Catching up on your preventive care during summer helps set you up for a healthier fall and winter. Now is the time to check in on your health before flu season begins. If you’re due for immunizations, screenings, or a medication review, taking care of it during the summer ensures your immune system and wellness plan are strong heading into colder months.
3. Mental Health Check-Ins
For many people, the slower pace and longer daylight hours in summer make it easier to reflect on mental health and self-care. If you’ve been experiencing anxiety, burnout, or depression, summer is a great time to schedule a behavioral health visit. Primary care offices often offer integrated mental health services or can refer you to a trusted provider.
Being proactive about your mental well-being is just as important as physical health—and both are deeply connected.
4. It’s a Great Time to Build Healthy Habits
With warmer weather and more daylight, many people are already feeling more motivated to walk, exercise, and eat healthier. Summer is the ideal time to meet with your provider to set or adjust health goals.
Preventive visits often include counseling on:
- Weight management
- Nutrition
- Smoking cessation
- Sleep habits
- Managing stress
If you’ve been thinking about making a change, starting that conversation now can help you create sustainable habits that last year-round.
5. Catching Up on Delayed Care
Many patients have delayed care due to travel, a busy spring, or the lingering effects of the pandemic. Summer is your reminder to check in on any missed screenings or tests. Preventive care isn’t just for emergencies—it’s the best way to avoid them in the first place.
What to Prioritize During a Summer Preventive Care Visit
Here’s a list of key health services and screenings to ask about when you schedule your appointment:
For Adults:
- Annual physical or wellness exam
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screening
- Blood glucose or A1C screening (especially if you’re at risk for diabetes)
- Colonoscopy (if over age 45 or earlier based on risk)
- Skin checks for sun damage or suspicious moles
- Pap smear and pelvic exam (for women)
- Mammogram (starting age 40 or based on risk)
- Prostate health screenings (for men over 50 or earlier based on family history)
- Mental health screenings
- Immunizations (Tdap, shingles, pneumonia, etc.)
For Children and Teens:
Annual physical and growth check
Back-to-school and sports physicals
Required vaccines (MMR, DTaP, HPV, meningitis, etc.)
Vision and hearing screenings
Developmental and behavioral screenings
How to Prepare for Your Preventive Care Visit
To get the most out of your appointment:
- Make a list of your current medications and supplements
- Write down any health concerns, no matter how small they may seem
- Update your family medical history, especially if new diagnoses have occurred
- Bring your vaccination records if available
- Ask questions about lifestyle, diet, or changes in your health
Preventive visits are about more than checking boxes—they’re an opportunity to build a relationship with your provider, talk openly about your health, and work together on a plan that supports your goals.
Take Control of Your Health This Summer
If you’ve been meaning to schedule your annual physical, check on a health concern, or follow up on a previous recommendation—this is your sign to do it.
At our primary care office, we offer same-day and next-day appointments, weekend hours, and care that’s centered around your lifestyle and needs. We’re here to support your health all year long—and there’s no better time than summer to start.
