Why January Is the Perfect Time for Health Screenings

The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to check in on your health.

2026 is right around the corner, which makes it a great time to get back on track with healthier routines. While you may think about improving your diet or exercising more, it’s also a great time to check in on your overall health. Getting important screenings done early in the year helps you understand where you stand and gives you time to take actions that can keep you healthier all year long.

Health screenings are simple tests that can catch health problems early, before you feel symptoms and when they’re easier to treat. Many screenings only take a few minutes and can give your doctor helpful information about your risk for heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

Here are some of the most common health screenings adults need and how often they’re typically recommended. Your doctor may adjust these based on your age, gender or family history, so it’s always best to ask what’s right for you.

• Blood pressure screening: High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, yet it raises your risk for heart attack and stroke. Most adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If your numbers are high, you may need to check it more often.

• Cholesterol test: A simple blood test can show if your cholesterol is too high, which can lead to heart disease. Adults should be tested every 4 to 6 years, but some people need it more often if they have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart problems.

• Blood sugar or A1C test: These tests help find prediabetes or diabetes early. Adults over 35 should be screened every 3 years. If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, you may need to start sooner.

• Colorectal cancer screening: Screening for colon cancer usually starts at age 45. Options include a colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests every 1 to 3 years.

• Mammogram: Women should begin breast cancer screening between ages 40 and 45, with a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on their doctor’s advice.

• Cervical cancer screening: Women should get a Pap test every 3 years starting at age 21, or a Pap plus HPV test every 5 years starting at age 30.

• Skin exam: A yearly skin check can help spot early signs of skin cancer, especially if you have a history of sunburns or unusual moles.

• Vision and dental exams: Eye and dental health are also a part of overall wellness. Most experts recommend yearly eye exams and dental cleanings twice a year.

This may seem like a long list, but don’t worry, you don’t need to do everything at once. A good place to start is by making an appointment with your primary care provider so they can help you with any overdue screenings. Then you can start crossing off any remaining health screenings one at a time. Consider January as your month to get these screenings scheduled and you will have taken a simple step towards staying healthy and feeling your best all year.