Adulting 101: Appointments You Should Schedule as an Adult
There are SO many things you need to keep track of in adulthood. Here’s a list of all the appointments you should schedule as an adult!
Okay, I’ll be honest… one of the things that took me WAY too long to learn as an adult was getting the right appointments on the calendar! It definitely wasn’t an overnight thing; unfortunately no one hands you an Adulting 101 handbook when you graduate. There’s no magical checklist that appears with a friendly reminder that’s like “Hey girlie! Time to set up your annual check-in! You need a pap smear!” lol. We’re all just left to our own devices and winging it.
I knew that I should be doing some sort of routine check-ins on myself (physically and mentally) and my stuff (aka my car since they don’t just take care of themselves?? haha). But I really didn’t know where to start. Without school requiring that I get an annual wellness exam, I never really made it a priority to establish care with a primary care provider. I also literally went two years without seeing a dentist (which I definitely paid for in cavities)…oops!
Little by little, I started to piece it all together. I figured out what appointments I needed to schedule regularly and how to actually stay on top of them. Now I’m in a pretty solid routine.
Don’t be like me! Use this post to get all the right appointments on the calendar — page one of your official Adulting 101 book.
This post is all about appointments you should schedule as an adult.
APPOINTMENTS YOU SHOULD MAKE AS AN ADULT
1. Annual wellness exam
This is one of the most important appointments you should schedule as an adult! Routine wellness exams are just general check-ups with your primary care provider (PCP) to review your overall health. This can include checking your vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, etc), reviewing your medical history, ordering blood tests, and discussing any concerns you have! It’s also a great time to get up to date on vaccinations.
Why:
Doing an annual check-in is SO important because it’ll help catch potential issues early, even if you’re feeling fine. For example, you might not even notice symptoms from conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes! You can also use this time to work on preventative care, like STD testing or mental health check-ins. Also, establishing a relationship with your primary care provider is crucial, because they can refer you to specialists you might need.
Frequency:
At least once a year – EVEN if you’re healthy.
2. Dental appointments
Dental check-ups usually include a cleaning and an exam! Typically, your cleaning will focus on removing plaque and tartar. During the exam, your dentist will check your teeth for cavities, gum disease, or any other oral health issues.
Why:
Oral health is SO important to overall health!! Cavities, gum disease, and infections can easily lead to bigger problems (infections can even spread to your heart)! It’s way easier (and cheaper) to prevent dental issues than to fix them later… tooth extractions are NOT fun.
Frequency:
At least every 6 months (check your dental insurance to see what they cover!)
3. Eye exam
Going to the eye doctor for an eye exam is important to maintain your vision and overall eye health. You’ll most likely to prompted to read letters on an eye chart and your doctor might check for color blindness or other vision issues.
Why:
Your vision can change over time without you noticing!! Eye exams detect SO many issues early – glaucoma, cataracts, etc.
Frequency:
At least every 1 – 2 years.
4. Dermatology visit
Dermatologists specialize in skin, hair, and nails! Schedule a skin check visit to look for unusual moles, spots, or skin changes that could indicate skin cancer. You can also see them for particular issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis… even anti-aging! My dermatologist has helped me SO much with my hormonal acne and put me on tretinoin for early anti-aging care 🙂
Why:
Even if you’re not out in the sun 24/7, skin cancer can still develop. Catching it early will make it easier to treat! Plus, derms can offer amazing advice for skincare and help develop a routine that works for you.
Frequency:
At least once a year for a skin check. For other issues, depends on your needs!
5. Therapy
I’m a huge believer that everyone can benefit from therapy, even if you’re not struggling or in a crisis. Just like we do annual check-ins for physical health, it’s also helpful to do mental health check-ins! Therapy typically involves talking to a licensed mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s not only a great way to get support through a difficult time, but also such a great avenue for growth and self-awareness. Recommend checking out Psychology Today to look for a therapist!
Why:
Therapy can help support you through stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and so much more. Even if you’re doing “fine,” it’s such a powerful tool to get to know yourself better! Going through therapy has made me much more equipped to handle high times of stress on my own because I can understand how to support my needs better.
Frequency:
Depends on you! Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly – whatever you need.
Post You Might Like: 5-Step Guide to Stop Negative Self-Talk
6. Car Maintenance
If you own a vehicle, definitely add car maintenance to one of the appointments you should schedule! It includes things like oil changes, tire checks, brake checks, and fluid refills. This will keep your car running smoothly!
Why:
Getting regular tune-ups for your car will help prevent bigger (and WAY more expensive) car problems down the line. It also keeps you safe by ensuring all parts of your vehicle are in good condition!
Frequency:
Every 6 months, although this depends on your mileage, car’s age, etc. Check with your mechanic or dealer!
This post was all about appointments you should schedule as an adult.