Your primary care checklist for a healthy 2024

As we turn over a new year, most of us are thinking more about how we will get or stay fit—and make that resolution stick. Now is the perfect time to review your medical history, prior doctor visit summaries, and test results, to arm with the best data to begin that journey. Saint Francis Family Practice physician Jennifer Ranton, MD, shares some of the most important things to think about as we kick off 2024.

Vaccinations

“Make sure to update seasonal vaccines, specifically influenza and the latest COVID-19 booster,” Dr. Ranton says. These viruses are constantly changing, and vaccines are updated annually to provide a measure of protection. In addition to seasonal vaccinations, it is important to review other immunization histories.

“For example, all adults are recommended to get a tetanus booster every ten years,” Dr. Ranton says. “At-risk adult populations should also make sure their pneumonia, RSV, shingles, and tetanus with pertussis shots are up-to-date.”

The guidelines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend for when to update are:

• Influenza – once a year
• Pneumonia – ask your provider if you are eligible
• RSV – every two years
• Shingles – one series of two shots
• Tetanus with or without pertussis – every ten years; ask your provider if you are eligible

Annual physical exam

“One of our main goals in primary care is to prevent chronic or serious medical conditions and/or their potentially life-altering complications,” Dr. Ranton says. “Many conditions can be silent in their early stages, which also happen to be the optimal intervention period.”

It’s important to come in at least once a year to review any events, changes or updates from the previous year. Physicians will use this information to evaluate for any potentially hidden issues, provide reminders for recommended screenings or suggest preventive strategies.

“Scheduling an annual physical exam is also a great way to maintain a good, continuous relationship for an objective assessment of overall fitness and health,” Dr. Ranton says.

Preventive screenings

“We follow the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for screenings and guidelines,” Dr. Ranton says.

These screenings include cancer, heart disease and complications, infectious diseases and mood disorders. A checklist to determine the need for any of these screenings is specific to each individual, which increases the importance of scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician.

“Preparation ahead of the visit will make the visit more efficient and enjoyable,” Dr. Ranton says. “I recommend bringing a list of any new symptoms/concerns, results of any tests in the past year, updates to family history and any medications currently being taken.”

The best way for your primary care physician to help you stay healthy is to keep in touch so they can understand the whole person and not just the symptoms you may be experiencing.

Learn more about Saint Francis Family Practice or schedule an appointment with a primary care provider at 302.575.8040.