Your year-end health checklist: Screenings, benefits and goals

[5 MIN READ]

In this article:

• As the year winds up, it’s a good time to take stock of your health by looking at the screenings you need and the health benefits and funds you have available.

• The most important cancer screenings include colorectal, breast, skin, lung and cervical. Talk to your doctor to find out if you’re eligible for these screenings.

• You should also make sure you’re caught up on dental and eye exams, cholesterol and diabetes screenings, and bone density tests.

The final weeks of the year can feel like a blur of appointments, deadlines and holiday plans — but your health deserves a spot on that to‑do list. Before 2025 ends, remember to check in, check off and move forward with confidence. You can use this year‑end health checklist to:

• Make sure you’re up to date on major screenings and preventive visits.
• Use your remaining benefits (such as Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts) before they expire.
• Pay special attention to your mental health.
• Set a realistic and sustainable wellness plan for your health goals in 2026.

 Don’t worry about adopting all these practices at once. Just go for the ones that seem attainable, and the rest will come with time. What’s important is that you’re taking steps in the right direction.

Year-end screenings checklist

You may already have completed these screenings this year. But this list is a good reminder if you haven’t had a chance to visit the doctor for an annual checkup.

General adult check-up

Schedule an annual physical or wellness visit if you haven’t seen your provider this year. During the visit confirm your height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, and review your family health history.

Be sure to ask your provider if there are any risk-based screenings you should schedule before the end of the year.

Cancer screenings

The following are the most important cancer screenings:

• Colorectal (colon) cancer – Men and women should begin screening at age 45 for adults at average risk and continue until about age 75.
• Cervical cancer – Women should begin screening at age 21, and get a Pap smear every three to five years based on risk factors.
• Breast cancer – Women at average risk for breast cancer should have mammograms every two years between ages 40-74.
• Lung cancer – Men and women ages 50-80 with a heavy smoking history may need an annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening.
• Skin cancer – Men and women should have checks as part of a routine physical or during a visit with a dermatologist. 

Other key preventive tests

Some of the other important tests you should have include:

• Cholesterol – Beginning at age 35 for men and 45 for women
• Dental exams and cleanings – Every six months, or more often for those who have dental problems
• Eye exams – Every two years for adults under age 40, every two to four years for ages 40-55, and every one to three years after age 55
• Diabetes/prediabetes – For overweight adults ages 35–70 who are at risk of diabetes
• Bone density – For women starting at age 65 or earlier if you have risk factors for osteoporosis
• Depression/anxiety – For any adults showing signs of mental illness, including pregnant/postpartum persons

Use up your health benefits before year-end

If you have an FSA or HSA, it’s important to check both your balance and the deadline by which you must spend or roll over funds. Ask your provider about health services you can schedule now, like annual physicals, lab tests and certain wellness services. If your insurance plan resets in January, consider scheduling anything you’ve deferred this year (dental cleanings, vision exam or follow-up visits) before the year wraps.

Mental and emotional wellness

The holidays can bring additional stress, changes in routine and disrupted sleep. Take 10 minutes for a “mental check-in”: How are your moods, sleep, stress levels and social connections? Ask your provider about resources if you experience persistent low mood, anxiety or disruption of daily functioning. Consider scheduling a short “wellness visit” or tele-visit before the end of the year to reset your emotional health for 2026.

Don’t just assume you’ll get over it if you’re having mental health challenges. Providence can help. Make an appointment with your provider to see if it’s time to start medication or therapy.

Set your 2026 health plan now 

Take a moment and think: What worked in your wellness routine this year? Which habits slipped? This month, choose one meaningful and realistic goal for the first quarter of 2026 (like a consistent sleep schedule, weekly strength training or regular check-ups). 

Block out your calendar for your next major health appointments and make a note to talk to your provider about any upcoming transitions, such as age milestones. Don’t let the year slip away without giving your health the attention it deserves. By tackling this checklist now, you’ll start 2026 with clarity, momentum and peace of mind.

Ready to schedule your year-end checkup? Visit our provider directory or call to book today.

Questions and answers about year-end health

Q: Why focus on health now?

A: Year-end is a good time to catch up on screenings, use remaining benefits and plan for a healthy start to 2026.

Q: Which screenings matter most?

A: Schedule your annual physical and key tests such as cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, eye, dental and mental health checks.

Q: What should I do with unused benefits?

A: Check your FSA or HSA balance and use funds before they expire. Book any exams or follow-ups your plan covers.

Q: How can I support mental health during the holidays?

A: Take time for a mental check-in. If stress or low mood persist, reach out to your provider for help. 

Q. How do I plan for 2026?

A: Set one realistic goal — such as regular exercise or better sleep — and schedule next year’s wellness visits now.

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a primary care or other provider, you can find what you are looking for in our provider directory. Through Providence Express Care Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services.

Download the Providence app

It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your home, get personalized health recommendations, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.  

Related resources

Why young adults need a primary care doctor

A comprehensive guide to men’s health

Mindfulness and its role in mental wellness 

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.