Starting the New Year Healthy: 4 Screenings You Shouldn't Skip

Prioritizing your health is a great way to start the new year. But instead of the usual resolutions to eat better and exercise more, consider focusing on something that can help better direct your goals and actions: preventive health screenings.

Health screenings are one of the most effective tools for understanding what’s going on inside your body. These tests can detect health issues during the earliest stages — before you have symptoms and when they’re easier to treat.

Your screening results can also help you make meaningful lifestyle changes and help you take a more proactive approach toward better health. 

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our experienced team is kicking off 2026 by highlighting four health screenings you shouldn’t skip so you can step into the new year informed and protected.

1. Blood pressure measure

High blood pressure affects millions of Americans, and more than half of them don’t know they have it. Often called the silent killer, hypertension develops without causing symptoms.  

A simple blood pressure reading can let you know if you need to worry about your numbers. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. We measure blood pressure every time you come to our clinic, whether for urgent care, for a urinary tract infection, or for management of your work injury. 

Diagnosing and managing high blood pressure early can lower your risk of serious health complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

2. Blood tests for diabetes and cholesterol

These two common blood tests provide powerful insight into your metabolic and cardiovascular health:

• Hemoglobin A1C screening for diabetes
• Lipid profile to check cholesterol 

We screen most adults for diabetes starting in their mid-40s, but you may need to test sooner if you have risk factors. Cholesterol screening starts earlier and is repeated at regular intervals based on previous results as well as age and health history.

These tests can help prevent serious chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease by finding issues early so you can take the right steps to protect your health.

3. Cancer screenings

Tests that screen for cancerous cells save lives. Screening needs depend on age, gender, and personal and family health history.

Key cancer screenings you shouldn’t skip include:

• Cervical cancer (Pap test), starting at age 21
• Prostate cancer, screening starting at 50
• Breast cancer, starting around 40
• Colon cancer, starting around 45
• Skin checks, starting at 40

Staying on top of these screenings gives you the best chance for early detection and treatment that leads to a full recovery.

4. Immunization check

Vaccines are medical tools that strengthen your immune system so it can protect you from common contagious diseases. While childhood vaccines provide a strong foundation, immunity fades over time — you may need booster shots to stay protected as an adult.

You may also need new vaccines based on your age, health, or occupation. And we highly recommend getting the flu shot every year because the flu viruses change from season-to-season.

The simplest way to stay up-to-date on all of your health screenings is to schedule your annual physical at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland. We can also help you get any necessary screenings after a visit to our clinic. 

To learn more ways to start off the new year healthy, contact our team in Midland, Michigan. You can call the office or book an appointment with one of our health specialists using the online scheduling button.