Imagine your health as a home you've cared for over the years. Every spring, you might open the windows, let in fresh
air, clear clutter and tidy spaces that need attention. Your health deserves the same kind of thoughtful
“spring cleaning”
— a renewed commitment to staying active and feeling your best.
“Spring is a natural time to pause and check in on your health,” says Cary Shames DO, chief medical
officer at Sharp Health Plan. “Small, proactive steps like staying up to date on screenings and preventive
care can make a meaningful
difference in how you feel all year long.”
Refresh. Review. Renew.
As you welcome the new season, consider these ways to stay on track and give your well-being a gentle reset.
- Schedule a yearly hearing check. Hearing changes often happen gradually, and untreated hearing
loss can affect balance, communication and safety. An annual check can help you stay confident and aware.
- Get a vision exam.
- Regular screenings can detect age-related eye conditions early, protecting your eyesight and
independence and reducing your fall risk.
- Stay up to date on tests and screenings.
- If you have a diagnosis or are at risk of diabetes, be sure to do the following every year, even if your
symptoms haven't changed:
- Diabetes eye exam: A yearly dilated exam can detect diabetic retinopathy early
and
help preserve vision.
- Diabetes A1C blood test: This test measures average blood sugar over the past
few
months and helps your doctor see how well your diabetes is controlled.
- At your annual preventive care visit, ask if you're due for:
- Osteoporosis management in women who had a fracture
- Blood pressure check
- Colon cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Make sure your vaccines are up to date.
- Staying current on flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines can help protect against serious
illness as you age.
- Update your medication list.
- Review medications with your primary care physician or pharmacist to confirm dosing and remove outdated
prescriptions.
By “spring cleaning” your health, you can make this season a fresh start toward your healthiest
year yet.
Sources: National Institute of Aging; American Diabetes Association