Most seniors should see their doctor at least once a year for a wellness visit, and every 3 to 6 months if they manage a chronic condition. Medicare Part B covers one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months at no cost when the provider accepts assignment. That yearly visit is the floor, not the target. CDC data from 2023 shows that 93 percent of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 79 percent have two or more. Those conditions need checking between annual visits. Below is a schedule based on health status, plus what Medicare pays for.

How Often Seniors Should Visit

These are typical schedules. Your provider sets the final plan based on how stable your conditions are.

What Medicare Covers Each Year

Medicare covers one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months, measured from your last one rather than by calendar year. New enrollees also get a one-time Welcome to Medicare visit during their first 12 months on Part B. Both cost nothing when your provider accepts assignment.

One point causes confusion. The Annual Wellness Visit is not a head-to-toe physical exam. It covers a health risk questionnaire, height, weight, blood pressure, a medication review, and a cognitive check. If you want a full physical or need chronic disease management, that is a separate appointment.

Why You Should Report Every Fall

The CDC reports that more than 14 million adults 65 and older, roughly 1 in 4, fall each year, and fewer than half tell their doctor. Falls signal problems worth catching early, including medication side effects, weak balance, vision changes, and low blood pressure. Report every fall, even one that caused no injury.

Final Thoughts

Once a year is the minimum for seniors, and most people managing two or more conditions need visits every three to four months. Use your covered wellness visit, and bring a full list of medications plus any falls since your last appointment. Call Yorktown Health Vernon Hills to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit.

You can lower LDL cholesterol through diet by cutting saturated fat, eating more soluble fiber, and adding plant sterols. Used together, these changes can reduce LDL by 20 percent or more. The American Heart Association recommends keeping saturated fat under 6 percent of daily calories, which is about 13 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet. The National Cholesterol Education Program found that 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily lowers LDL by roughly 5 percent. Published meta-analyses of plant sterol trials show 2 grams daily lowers LDL by 8 to 10 percent. Diet alone will not be enough for everyone. Below are the foods that work, the amounts you need, and what results to expect.

How Much Each Diet Change Lowers LDL

Which Foods Lower Cholesterol Most

Focus on swaps rather than restriction. Replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat works better than simply eating less fat.

• Oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, and pears for soluble fiber
• Psyllium husk, which delivers fiber in a concentrated dose
• Fortified spreads and yogurts for plant sterols, since whole foods rarely reach 2 grams
• Olive and canola oil in place of butter, lard, and coconut oil
• Almonds and walnuts in place of chips and crackers
• Fatty fish twice a week in place of red meat

What Diet Alone Cannot Fix

Food changes work best alongside regular testing. Genetics set a floor on how low your LDL can go, and some people need medication no matter how well they eat. If a parent or sibling had early heart disease, ask about a full lipid panel and a risk assessment. Ongoing cholesterol management tracks whether your changes are actually moving the numbers.

Final Thoughts

Cutting saturated fat, adding soluble fiber, and using sterol-fortified foods are the three changes with the strongest evidence behind them. Give them three months, then retest. Schedule a lipid panel with Yorktown Health Vernon Hills to see where you stand and build a plan around your results.

Prediabetes usually has no clear signs at all. That is the most important thing to know. According to the CDC, 115.2 million American adults have prediabetes, and 8 in 10 of them do not know it. When signs do appear, they are easy to dismiss: increased thirst, more frequent urination, fatigue, or patches of darkened, velvety skin on the neck or armpits. Because symptoms are unreliable, a blood test is the only way to confirm prediabetes. Catching it early matters, because prediabetes can often be reversed. Below are the signs worth noting, the test ranges that define prediabetes, and who should be screened.

Signs of Prediabetes You Might Notice

• Feeling thirstier than usual
• Urinating more often, including at night
• Tiredness that rest does not fix
• Darkened, velvety skin patches on the neck, armpits, or groin
• Blurred vision that comes and goes

Most people with prediabetes have none of these. Their absence proves nothing.

Blood Test Ranges That Confirm Prediabetes

Who Should Get Tested for Prediabetes

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults aged 35 to 70 who carry extra weight, repeated every three years. Test sooner if you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, had gestational diabetes, or have high blood pressure. A blood sugar check is a standard part of most annual physicals.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed

Yes, and the evidence is strong. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a randomized trial cited by the CDC, found that losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight and reaching 150 minutes of activity per week cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. For people aged 60 and older, the reduction reached 71 percent. That beat metformin, which reduced risk by 31 percent in the same trial.

Final Thoughts

Waiting for symptoms is the wrong strategy, because prediabetes rarely produces any. A simple A1C test settles the question in one visit. If you are over 35 and carrying extra weight, talk with one of our providers at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills about checking your blood sugar at your next appointment. If your levels are high, your provider can discuss diabetes management options and next steps with you.

After 40, women need five core screenings: mammograms, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and blood sugar testing. Bone density testing usually starts at 65. In April 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the starting age for mammograms to 40, with screening every other year through age 74. Colorectal cancer screening now begins at 45. Your own schedule may shift based on family history, past results, and current health, so these ages are a starting point rather than a fixed rule. Below is a breakdown of each screening, when to begin, and how often to repeat it.

Your Screening Schedule After 40

The American Cancer Society updated its cervical cancer guidance in December 2025 and recommends HPV testing every five years through 65. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are usually checked together during an annual physical.

Why Mammograms Now Start at 40

The Task Force found that starting screening at 40 instead of 50 prevents more breast cancer deaths. Screening every other year keeps most of that benefit while cutting down on false alarms.222

Which Screenings Depend on Your Risk

Some tests are not on a fixed schedule. Bone density screening is recommended for every woman at 65, and earlier for postmenopausal women at higher fracture risk. About 27 percent of women 65 and older have osteoporosis. Thyroid testing, skin checks, and earlier mammograms may apply if close relatives had those conditions. A well-woman exam is where these calls get made, because your provider reviews your history and orders what fits you.

Final Thoughts

Turning 40 changes your screening schedule more than any other birthday. Mammograms begin, colorectal screening follows at 45, and blood sugar and cholesterol checks become routine. Book a visit with Yorktown Health Vernon Hills and bring your family history, so your provider can build the right schedule for you.

You can support your immune system naturally with simple daily habits: good sleep, healthy food, regular exercise, and less stress. There is no magic pill, but these steps help your body fight off germs. This guide shows you easy, proven ways to stay strong.

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Your immune system is your body’s security team, working around the clock to keep germs out. Harvard Health notes that no single food or pill can supercharge it, but a healthy lifestyle helps it work its best.

Sleep Well

Sleep is when your body repairs and recharges. A UCSF study found that people who slept less than six hours a night were over four times more likely to catch a cold than those who slept more than seven. Aim for 7 to 9 hours. If rest is hard, treating sleep problems can help.

Eat the Rainbow

Fruits and veggies are full of vitamins that feed your immune cells. Aim for many colors on your plate, and pick foods with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Drink plenty of water too.

Move Your Body

Exercise gets your blood and immune cells flowing. The CDC suggests about 150 minutes of activity each week. A brisk daily walk counts, no fancy gym needed.

Tame Your Stress

Long-term stress wears your defenses down. Deep breaths, hobbies, and time with loved ones help. Learning to handle stress-related conditions keeps your immune system steadier.

Habits That Weaken Your Immune System

Some habits drag your defenses down. Try to limit these:

• Smoking and heavy drinking
• Too much sugar and junk food
• Poor sleep, night after night
• Sitting all day

When to See a Doctor

Healthy habits do a lot, but they are not everything. Staying current on immunizations trains your body to fight specific germs. A yearly annual physical helps catch issues early. If you get sick often or feel run down, see your doctor.

Final Thoughts

You can boost your immune system naturally by sleeping well, eating colorful foods, moving daily, and managing stress. Small habits, done often, add up to strong defenses. Your body does the heavy lifting, so give it what it needs. If you want a plan that fits your life, the team at Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills is ready to help. Book a visit today.

Hypertension has two main stages, Stage 1 and Stage 2. Doctors also use other blood pressure groups, like normal, elevated, and a dangerous level called a hypertensive crisis. This guide breaks down each stage, the numbers behind it, and what it means for your health.

What Are the Stages of Hypertension?

Blood pressure has two numbers, the top (systolic) and the bottom (diastolic). Here is the full chart.

These ranges come from the American Heart Association, reaffirmed in the 2025 ACC/AHA guideline.

Elevated Blood Pressure

This is a warning sign, not high blood pressure yet. The top number sits between 120 and 129. Healthy habits now keep it from climbing.

Stage 1 Hypertension

Stage 1 means a reading of 130 to 139 over 80 to 89. Your doctor may start with lifestyle changes, and sometimes medicine. Small steps add up here.

Stage 2 Hypertension

Stage 2 means 140 over 90 or higher. This often needs healthy habits plus medicine. Steady hypertension management keeps your numbers in a safe zone.

Hypertensive Crisis

A reading above 180 over 120 is an emergency. With chest pain, trouble breathing, or numbness, call 911. Do not wait.

Why The Stages Matter

High blood pressure is sneaky. It often shows no signs, which is why people call it the silent killer. The CDC reports that nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and many do not know it. Left alone, it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

How To Lower Your Numbers

Here is the good news. You can take charge with a few simple steps:

1. Eat less salt and more fruits and veggies.
2. Move your body most days.
3. Keep a healthy weight.
4. Limit alcohol and quit smoking.
5. Sleep well and manage stress.

Regular annual physical visits help you catch changes early.

Final Thoughts

The stages of hypertension move from normal to elevated, then Stage 1, Stage 2, and a hypertensive crisis. Each step is a chance to act early. Check your numbers, build healthy habits, and lean on your care team. If your blood pressure needs a closer look, the team at Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills can help. Book a visit today.

Yes, you can often manage chronic pain without medication. Proven methods like gentle exercise, mind-body practices, heat or cold therapy, and better sleep can lower pain and help you feel more in control. This guide walks you through simple, doctor-backed ways to ease chronic pain without pills.

Why Try Non-Drug Pain Relief?

Chronic pain is common. In 2023, the CDC reported that 24.3% of U.S. adults lived with chronic pain, and 8.5% had pain severe enough to limit daily life. Medicine can help, but it may bring side effects or risks over time. Non-drug methods are safe, low-cost, and easy to fit into your day.

Proven Ways to Manage Chronic Pain Without Medication

These steps are backed by research and gentle enough to try at home.

Move Your Body

Gentle movement keeps joints loose and muscles strong. Walking, swimming, and stretching are great starts. The American College of Physicians suggests exercise as a first choice for long-term back pain.

Try Mind-Body Practices

Your brain plays a big role in how you feel pain. The NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, and acupuncture can ease many types of pain. Even a few slow, deep breaths can calm the body and mind.

Use Heat, Cold, and Rest

Heat loosens tight muscles. Cold numbs sharp pain and lowers swelling. Good rest helps your body heal, so treating any sleep problems matters.

Calm Your Stress

Stress makes pain feel worse. It tightens muscles and wears you down. Deep breathing, hobbies, and talking to someone all help. Managing stress-related conditions can break the pain-and-stress cycle.

Build a Daily Pain Plan

Small habits add up. Try this simple routine:

1. Move a little every day, even a short walk.
2. Stretch or breathe deeply for five minutes.
3. Use heat or cold when pain flares.
4. Keep a steady sleep schedule.
5. Track what helps in a pain journal.

Long-term pain often ties to other health issues, so steady chronic disease management keeps your whole body on track.

Final Thoughts

You can manage chronic pain without medication using movement, mind-body care, heat or cold, better sleep, and less stress. These steps work best together and with a doctor’s guidance. If pain is slowing you down, the team at Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills can build a plan that fits your life. Reach out today to take your first step toward relief.

For most adults, a healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI, short for body mass index, is a quick number that compares your weight to your height. Think of it as a screening tool, not a full health checkup. Below, we break down the BMI ranges, what your number really means, and when it helps to talk with a doctor.

BMI Ranges for Adults

Doctors group adult BMI into four main ranges. Find yours in the table below.

These ranges come from the CDC and apply to most adults age 20 and older.

Why Your BMI Number Matters

A BMI outside the healthy range can raise your risk for things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Today, about 40% of U.S. adults have obesity, according to the CDC. Knowing your number is a smart first step.

What BMI Does Not Show

BMI has limits. It cannot tell muscle from fat. A strong athlete may have a high BMI but very little body fat. Your waist size, lab results, and family history matter too. That is why a yearly annual physical gives a clearer picture than BMI alone.

How to Reach or Keep a Healthy BMI

Small habits add up. Try these steps:

1. Eat more whole foods, like fruits, veggies, and lean protein.
2. Move your body for about 30 minutes most days.
3. Sleep well and drink plenty of water.
4. Ask for help when you feel stuck.

If your weight will not budge, a care team can guide you. Our weight management services and GLP-1 weight loss options offer safe, doctor-led support.

Final Thoughts

A healthy BMI for most adults is 18.5 to 24.9, but it is just one piece of your health story. Use it as a guide, not a grade. If you want help understanding your number or reaching a healthy weight, the team at Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills is ready to help. Book a visit today and take the next step toward feeling your best.

Kids get their first physical exam in the hospital right after birth. The next checkup is 3 to 5 days later, then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. After age 3, the AAP says kids need a physical exam once a year until 21.

The First Few Weeks of Life

Your baby’s first exam happens before you leave the hospital. The doctor checks the heart, lungs, hips, and reflexes. A small heel prick also screens for certain rare diseases.

Your Baby’s First Office Visit

The AAP recommends bringing your baby in 3 to 5 days after birth. The doctor checks weight, feeding, and signs of jaundice. Short visit, big payoff.

Well-Child Exams in the First Year

Babies grow fast, so they need many checkups in year one. Here is the AAP schedule:

These visits catch problems early and keep your baby on track.

Toddler and Preschool Years

After year one, kids see the doctor at 15, 18, 24, and 30 months, then at age 3. Each visit tracks growth, speech, and behavior.

Why Yearly Visits Matter From Age 3

From age 3 on, kids need one physical exam every year. These visits check vision, hearing, blood pressure, and BMI. They also catch issues like asthma, allergies, or learning delays early.

School Years and Teens

Big kids still need a yearly exam. Schools and sports teams often ask for one. Yorktown Health Vernon Hills offers fast school physicals and sports physicals. Teens also get help with mood, sleep, and growth at adolescent care visits.

Final Thoughts

The first physical exam starts at birth, and yearly checkups carry on through age 21. Ready to book a well-child exam? Contact Yorktown Health Vernon Hills today.

The symptoms of thyroid problems include feeling tired, weight changes, a racing or slow heartbeat, mood swings, hair loss, and feeling too hot or too cold. The American Thyroid Association says 20 million Americans have a thyroid issue, and 60% have no idea.

Where Your Thyroid Sits

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It makes hormones that control your heart rate, energy, weight, and body temperature. When it slows or speeds up, your whole body feels it.

Signs of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

This is the most common thyroid problem. The gland makes too little hormone, so everything slows down. Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease, is the top cause.

Watch for:

• Feeling tired after a full night of sleep
• Weight gain without eating more
• Always cold, even in a warm room
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Constipation, sad mood, or brain fog
• Slow heartbeat

Women over 60 are at the highest risk. NHANES data shows 1 in 8 American women will get a thyroid problem in her lifetime.

Signs of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

When the thyroid makes too much hormone, your body runs in overdrive. Graves’ disease is the top cause.

Common signs:

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Weight loss without trying
• Feeling shaky, anxious, or jumpy
• Sweating and hot flashes
• Trouble sleeping, loose stools
• Bulging eyes (with Graves’)

When to Call 911

Very high fever with a racing heart could be a thyroid storm. Rare but life-threatening.

Other Warning Signs

A lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, or a lingering hoarse voice may point to a goiter or nodule. The NCI estimates 45,240 new thyroid cancer cases in 2026, mostly in women.

How We Help at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills

A simple blood test checks your thyroid. We catch issues during your annual physical and treat them through chronic disease management. Many women book a well-woman exam first.

Final Thoughts

Thyroid symptoms hide in plain sight, often mistaken for stress or aging. If something feels off, get tested. Book a visit with Yorktown Health Vernon Hills.