Checkups are key to taking good care of yourself

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of fix. Even if you feel fine, getting routine health checkups is important to prevent serious problems. Visit a dentist to get your teeth cleaned every 6 months. Even if you take good care of your teeth, tartar(hardened plaque) can build up in hard-to-reach areas and lead to tooth decay if not scraped off periodically.

Visit your healthcare provider at least once a year for a check-up. They will take your weight and blood pressure, keep you up to date on vaccinations, and order a blood draw if necessary. This will evaluate your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other signs of illness. If you are sexually active, it is a good idea to receive testing for sexually transmitted infections.

If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure to see your eye doctor at least every 2 years. This way, they can keep your prescription up to date and assess for diseases affecting the eyes. Visit a dermatologist once a year for a skin check to catch and treat skin cancer early.