As the year draws to a close, the holiday rush often pushes personal health to the bottom of the to-do list. However, December is actually the most strategic time to prioritize your health. Between maximizing your insurance benefits and setting a baseline for the new year, taking action now ensures you start January feeling your best.
At The Bridge Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our community navigate their health journeys. Here is your essential guide to finishing the year strong with proactive wellness and preventative care.
1. Maximize Your Insurance and HSA/FSA Benefits
Most health insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning your deductible resets on January 1st.
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The Deductible Advantage: If you have already met your deductible for this year, your out-of-pocket costs for procedures, screenings, or specialist visits may be significantly lower right now.
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Use It or Lose It: If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), those funds typically expire at the end of the year. This is the perfect time to use that tax-free money for necessary medical visits, new prescriptions, or health supplies.
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Schedule Early: December is a high-demand month for healthcare providers. We recommend calling to schedule your appointments as early as possible to ensure you are seen before the year ends.
2. Prioritize Preventative Screenings
Preventative care is the foundation of long-term health. These visits are designed to catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
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Annual Wellness Exam: If you haven’t had your physical this year, now is the time. We check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to give you a clear picture of your metabolic health.
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Cancer Screenings: Depending on your age and risk factors, year-end is a great time to ensure you are up to date on screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or skin checks.
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Mental Health Check-in: The holidays can be a stressful time. Wellness isn’t just physical; checking in with your provider about anxiety, stress levels, or seasonal depression is a vital part of your year-end care.
3. Update Your Immunizations
Winter is the peak season for respiratory illnesses. Protecting yourself and your family is easier when you stay ahead of the curve.
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Flu and COVID-19 Boosters: It’s not too late to get vaccinated. These shots are the most effective way to reduce the severity of illness and keep you out of the urgent care during your holiday celebrations.
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Pneumonia and Shingles: For older adults, ensuring you are current on these specific vaccines can prevent serious complications during the winter months.
4. Refill and Review Medications
Avoid the stress of running out of essential medications during holiday office closures.
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Refill Requests: Check your current supplies of daily medications and request refills now.
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Medication Review: Use your year-end appointment to review your prescriptions with your doctor. We can discuss if dosages need adjusting or if there are new, more effective options available for your specific needs.
Start Your New Year at The Bridge Clinic
Wellness is a continuous journey, not a destination. By taking care of these “housekeeping” health items now, you remove the stress of medical errands from your New Year’s resolutions, allowing you to focus on your goals with a clean bill of health.
At The Bridge Clinic, we are here to provide the compassionate, comprehensive care you deserve. Whether you need a final check-up for the year or are looking to establish a new primary care relationship, our team is ready to welcome you.
Don’t wait until the calendar turns. Contact The Bridge Clinic today to schedule your year-end wellness visit!