HELPING NEW YORKERS STAY HEALTHY | MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN
You don’t have to wait until you feel sick to take care of your health. On this week’s Monica Makes It Happen, Monica sits down with Healthfirst family physician Dr. Angela Vidal-Burke to talk about why annual wellness visits, preventive care and regular screenings are so important at every age.
Dr. Angela explains how an annual wellness visit can help you stay on top of recommended screenings and vaccinations while building an ongoing relationship with your primary care doctor. Having a doctor who knows your health history can also help coordinate care, especially if you see multiple specialists or take several medications.
From blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings to mental health screenings, breast and colorectal cancer screenings, prostate cancer screenings and bone density testing, the right preventive care depends on your age, health history and individual risk factors. Dr. Angela also emphasizes the importance of bone health, noting that osteoporosis can develop without symptoms and increase the risk of fractures as we get older.
For older adults enrolled in Medicare, many preventive services are available at zero cost, including certain mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate cancer screenings, cardiovascular disease screenings, bone density testing and the annual wellness visit.
Dr. Angela shares three simple steps to get started: schedule your annual wellness appointment, come prepared with a list of your medications and questions, and ask your doctor which preventive screenings and care are right for you.
Healthfirst has been serving New York communities for more than 30 years, helping make quality, affordable healthcare more accessible. Ready to make your health a priority? Visit EnrollHFMedicare.org to learn more.
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2026-08-31T21:26:57Z