New Year’s Health Checklist: Preventive Screenings and Telemedicine Tips

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on your health and well-being. Along with making New Year’s resolutions, many people also plan preventive screenings and other healthcare appointments during the winter, before the spring rush.

Family medicine physician Shaghayegh “Sherri” Tavassoli, DO, at Beverly Hills Medical Institute, provides preventive care and telemedicine to help patients stay on top of their health. Here, she highlights key preventive screenings and explains how to prepare for telemedicine visits.

Preventive screenings to consider in the new year

Many chronic health problems develop slowly and don’t present obvious symptoms. Routine preventive screenings help identify potential issues early, making them easier to treat. Although each person’s needs vary, here are a few screenings to consider in the coming year.

Routine exams

Undergoing an annual physical is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy. It’s also a chance to ask Dr. Tavassoli questions or discuss any health concerns, while she checks your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels to identify underlying issues, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes. 

Gender-specific screenings

Some screening recommendations are based on age or gender. For example, if you’re 45 or older, you may benefit from a:

• Mammogram
• Prostate exam
• Colonoscopy

Even if you’re in your 20s or 30s, certain gender-specific exams are important. Dr. Tavassoli encourages all women ages 21-65 to have a Pap exam every three years. This test identifies abnormal cervical cells and helps lower the risk of cervical cancer.

Vaccinations

Although not a screening, vaccines are an essential part of preventive care. If it’s been more than a year since your last flu or COVID-19 shot, getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of illness and help protect your loved ones and the community.

Telemedicine tips for a healthier year

With so much going on this time of year, getting to the doctor’s office can be challenging. That’s why many of our patients turn to telemedicine. It’s an especially good option if you need to refill a prescription, get treated for a minor illness, or simply want to monitor a chronic condition, like diabetes, from home. 

To get the most from your appointment, prepare in advance. To ensure it goes smoothly, Dr. Tavassoli recommends:

• Getting access to your health records
• Knowing your current medications
• Making a list of questions to ask
• Finding a quiet, well-lit area 
• Testing your internet connection
• Signing into the telemedicine platform early

If you have questions or need help accessing our telemedicine platform, reach out at any time. Our team regularly assists patients, and we want to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

We can help you prepare for a healthy, happy new year

Whether it’s been more than a year since your last physical or you have a sore throat and are worried it might be strep, preventive screenings and telehealth are two of our specialties. 

Contact us today to get started. Call our office in Beverly Hills, serving the greater Los Angeles, California, area, or book your appointment online.