By Emily Nayda, MD

An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy — no matter your age. This yearly appointment with your primary care provider is designed to help prevent illness, catch health concerns early, and keep you on track with your wellness goals.

What to Expect During an AWV.

Your AWV includes a range of screenings and assessments tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors. Common elements include:

  • Vital signs check, including blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and BMI
  • Review of personal and family medical history
  • Cognitive and mental health screening
  • Vision and hearing checks
  • Medication review
  • Recommended lab work, such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar (for diabetes), and others as needed
  • Cancer screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate exams are based on age and risk
  • Immunization review to ensure vaccines like flu, pneumonia, shingles, and tetanus are up to date

Preparing for Your Visit.

To get the most out of your AWV, a little preparation goes a long way:

  • Bring a list of all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements.
  • Update your family health history — be aware of any recent diagnoses in close relatives.
  • Track your symptoms — note any pain, fatigue, or other concerns you’ve experienced.
  • Know your health goals — whether it’s losing weight, quitting smoking, or managing stress. Having clear goals can guide the discussion.

Questions to Ask During Your AWV.

An AWV is your opportunity to discuss your overall health, not just specific issues. Consider asking:

  • “Are my screenings and vaccines up to date?”
  • “What can I do to improve my heart health?”
  • “Are there lifestyle changes I should consider for disease prevention?”
  • “Do I need any changes to my medications?”
  • “What preventive steps should I take based on my age and health history?”

Your AWV is more than just a check-up — it’s a proactive tool for lifelong wellness. Schedule yours today and take control of your health, one year at a time.

Emily Nayda, MD, is a primary care physician at Buffalo Medical Group. Dr. Nayda and other primary care physicians at Buffalo Medical Group are accepting new patients at locations throughout Western New York. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call 716-656-4471 or visit BuffaloMedicalGroup.com.