The Health Check-Ups That Actually Matter
Hi there, and welcome back!
Remember yesterday when we talked about preparing your home for winter? Well, today we’re talking about preparing you for winter. Because let’s be honest—a well-winterized house doesn’t do much good if you’re flat on your back with the flu or struggling with a medication issue that could have been caught early.
I learned this lesson the hard way about five years ago when I skipped my annual physical because “I felt fine.” Turned out my blood pressure was creeping up, my vitamin D was in the basement, and I was on a medication that my doctor would have adjusted if I’d just shown up. Three months later, I ended up in the ER with a dizziness that could have been prevented.
So today, let’s talk about the health check-ups that matter most heading into winter—and how to actually get them done before the holiday chaos hits.
Why Fall Is Health Check-Up Season
Here’s something that might surprise you: Emergency rooms see a 20-30% spike in senior visits between December and February. Many of these visits are for conditions that could have been caught or prevented with routine fall check-ups—flu, pneumonia, falls due to medication interactions, complications from unmanaged chronic conditions.
Add in the fact that doctors’ offices get absolutely swamped in late November and December, and you’ve got a recipe for delayed care exactly when you might need it most.
The Must-Do Appointments
Your Annual Physical (If You’re Due)
If it’s been a year since your last full check-up, book it NOW. These appointments book up fast, especially with good doctors.
Come prepared with:
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List of all medications (including over-the-counter and supplements)
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Any new symptoms or concerns
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Questions written down (you’ll forget them otherwise)
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Your immunization record
The Vaccination Conversation
Fall is vaccination season. Here’s what most Canadian seniors should consider:
Flu shot: Absolutely. Seniors have higher risk of serious flu complications. Many pharmacies offer it free with your health card—no appointment needed.
COVID booster: If you’re 65+, yes. Discuss timing with your pharmacist or doctor.
Pneumonia vaccine: If you haven’t had it, ask about it. It’s typically recommended for 65+ and can prevent a major winter health crisis.
Shingles vaccine: Not seasonal, but if you’re 50+ and haven’t had it, worth discussing. Shingles risk increases with age and stress.
Your Medication Review
When was the last time someone actually reviewed all your medications? Not just renewed them, but looked at:
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Do you still need all of them?
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Are any interacting with each other?
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Are dosages still appropriate for your current weight/health?
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Are there less expensive alternatives?
Book a pharmacist consultation (free in Canada!) or ask your doctor for a thorough med review. I had three medications reduced or eliminated this way, felt better, and saved money.
Vision and Hearing Checks
Vision: If it’s been two years, book an eye exam. Winter’s shorter days mean you’re driving in low light more often. Plus, many eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration) have no symptoms until significant damage occurs.
Hearing: If you’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the TV, get tested. Untreated hearing loss is linked to faster cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation—all worse in winter when we’re indoors more.
The Dental Check-Up Nobody Remembers
Dental infections can become serious quickly and always seem to flare up during holiday dinners or winter storms when your dentist is closed.
Get your cleaning and check-up done now. If you need any work, better to do it in October than discover a problem Christmas week.
Blood Work and Tests
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or other chronic conditions requiring monitoring, make sure your blood work is current.
Also consider asking about:
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Vitamin D levels (Canadians are notoriously deficient, especially seniors)
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B12 (low levels cause fatigue and cognitive issues)
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Iron (if you’re tired all the time)
When to Actually Worry
Book appointments right away (not “when you get around to it”) if you have:
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New or worsening chest pain or shortness of breath
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Unexplained weight loss
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Changes in balance or coordination
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Memory issues that are getting worse
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Depression or anxiety that’s affecting daily life
Don’t wait. Don’t minimize it. Don’t tell yourself it’s “just getting older.” Get it checked.
Making It Happen (The Practical Part)
Book everything in one phone call session: Set aside an hour, make coffee, and book your appointments back-to-back. It’s easier than spreading it out over days.
Use pharmacy services: Many health checks (blood pressure, diabetes screening, medication reviews, vaccinations) can be done at pharmacies with no appointment. Some even have private consultation rooms now.
Batch your appointments: Try to schedule on the same day or consecutive days if possible. One medical day beats four separate days of disruption.
Set phone reminders: We all forget. No shame in it. Use your phone to remind you three days before, one day before, and morning-of.
The Cost Question
Most of these services are covered:
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Annual physical: Covered by provincial health insurance
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Vaccinations: Most are free for seniors
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Pharmacist consultations: Free in Canada
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Eye exams: Covered in some provinces for 65+; otherwise $80-150 every 2 years
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Dental: Not covered, but essential
If cost is an issue, ask about:
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Sliding scale fees
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Senior discounts
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Payment plans
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Community health centers with reduced rates
Our Shared Wisdom
What health check-up did you skip that you wish you hadn’t? Or what appointment caught something important before it became a crisis? Share your story—it might motivate someone else to book that appointment they’ve been putting off!
Coming Thursday
In Part 3, we’ll explore cozy hobbies and activities to keep you happy, engaged, and connected all winter long. Because physical health is only part of the equation—mental and emotional health matter just as much!
Until then, get those appointments booked!
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
