Weekly Adult Primary Care Q&A with Temima Levine, FNP

Why Should Adults Have an Annual Checkup?

I feel completely healthy — why would I need to see a doctor every year?

A: Many health conditions can develop silently without symptoms. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and even certain cancers may not cause noticeable signs early on. An annual checkup helps catch issues before they become serious. Prevention and early detection are key to staying healthy long-term.

What actually happens during an annual physical?

A: I review your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. We check vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and BMI. Depending on your age and history, we may order bloodwork, discuss screenings, review vaccines, and talk about sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise, and mental health.

If I’m young, do I still need yearly checkups?

A: Absolutely. Annual visits aren’t just for older adults. Your 20s, 30s, and 40s are important years to establish healthy habits and monitor risk factors early. Even younger adults can develop hypertension, anxiety, depression, prediabetes, or cholesterol issues. Staying proactive now can help prevent complications later.

Can an annual visit help with mental health too?

A: Yes. Primary care includes both physical and mental wellness. Many adults struggle with stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, fatigue, or sleep problems but may not realize how much it affects overall health. Your annual visit is a safe place to discuss emotional well-being and get support or referrals if needed. May was mental health awareness month and I would be happy to help you on your journey.

What if I only go to urgent care when I’m sick? Isn’t that enough?

A: Urgent care can be helpful for sudden illnesses, but it doesn’t replace ongoing preventive care. Having a primary care provider means someone is looking at your full health picture over time — tracking trends, following up on labs, managing chronic conditions, and helping prevent future problems rather than only treating issues after they happen. You can see your primary care provider when you’re sick and they can better help you as they have a full understanding of your health as a whole.

Bottom Line:

Annual checkups are about prevention, education, and staying ahead of potential health concerns. Taking one hour each year for your health can make a major difference in your future well-being.

 📍 Temima Levine, FNP

 Lev Family Health & Lev Pediatrics

 📞 Call today to schedule your annual wellness visit!