Checkups are key to taking good care of yourself

Bastion Health visual of app representing preventive care for men

Regular health checkups are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious medical problems before they start. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, routine visits with healthcare providers help detect early signs of illness, monitor key health metrics, and keep you on track to meet your wellness goals.

Preventive care is about being proactive—not reactive. Investing time in checkups today could help you avoid more serious, expensive, or invasive treatments down the road.

Dental Checkups — Prevent Tooth Decay and Maintain Oral Health

Seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam is vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Even if you brush and floss regularly, tartar (hardened plaque) can build up in hard-to-reach areas, increasing your risk for:

  • Cavities

  • Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)

  • Bad breath

  • Tooth loss over time

Your dentist can also check for signs of oral cancer, jaw alignment issues, or other hidden problems you may not feel or notice yourself.

Annual Medical Checkups — Monitor Vital Health Markers

A yearly visit to your primary care provider is essential for tracking your overall health and catching early signs of chronic conditions. During an annual checkup, your provider will typically:

  • Check weight, heart rate, and blood pressure

  • Update vaccinations (including flu, COVID-19, tetanus, HPV)

  • Order blood tests to screen for high cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid levels, and more

  • Discuss mental health, sleep, and lifestyle habits

  • Offer age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., colon, breast, prostate)

If you're sexually active, STI testing is a smart addition to your regular preventive care—especially since many infections show no symptoms at all.

Eye Exams — Protect Your Vision with Regular Checkups

Your eyes are often a window to broader health issues. Routine eye exams (typically every two years, or annually if you wear corrective lenses) help:

  • Update your glasses or contact lens prescription

  • Detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy

  • Uncover other health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can show up in eye exams

Maintaining vision health is especially important as you age—or if you spend long hours looking at screens.

Annual Skin Checks — Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common—and most treatable—cancers when caught early. During a skin check, your dermatologist will:

  • Examine your skin for suspicious moles, spots, or changes

  • Evaluate your skin type and personal risk level

  • Provide guidance on sun protection and skincare

If you have a family history of skin cancer, spend a lot of time outdoors, or notice any new or changing moles, don’t wait—book an exam sooner rather than later.

Take Charge of Your Health with Regular Screenings

Preventive checkups are an investment in your future. They provide peace of mind, support early detection, and often make treatment easier and more effective if anything does come up.

With Bastion, staying on top of your health is simple and stress-free—many employers even offer our services as part of their benefits package. Check your coverage, book your next checkup, and take control of your health today.

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