By Curtis Thill, M.D.

Spring is a time of encouraging renewal and hope, which reminds me of something I have noticed in over three decades of practicing medicine here in southern Indiana. Over that time, I have found that the women of our communities represent remarkable caregivers who often bring hope and encouragement. When needs arise – or even before others notice – they show up for their children, their aging parents, their neighbors, their churches. They organize, they nurture, they hold things together in ways that often go unnoticed and uncelebrated. They are real treasures for our communities and our southern Indiana way of life.

But far too often, I have found, they do not show up for themselves.

To the women of our southern Indiana communities, I want to bring up for your consideration something important, something that can get passed over: the annual wellness visit. I’m not talking about a quick visit to the clinic when you come down with a cold. Not a trip to the emergency room when something has gone wrong. I am talking about a scheduled, deliberate, proactive appointment – one designed entirely around you – your health history, what you may need to know about risk factors, your questions, and how to take care of yourself for the future.

A powerful tool for healthy living

How important is this? Research and experience has been clear on this point for years. An annual well-woman visit is not a formality. It is one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine – not to treat illness, but to prevent it.

Never had a wellness visit and wonder what happens? During your visit we talk in confidence. We review your personal and family health history. We will probably talk about heart health and whether anyone in your family has faced cancer or chronic conditions. Why? Because your family history can provide important clues that help us understand what may—underscore may – be in store.

The focus is both to emphasize the good things you’re doing health-wise and also to catch potential problems in their early stages. In a relaxed and safe place, we may talk about things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. We may conduct some screenings. Nobody’s going to sit in judgment on these issues, and you may find yourself relieved. And perhaps most importantly, we give you the space to ask questions you may not bring up otherwise.

Important conversations women need to have

That last part matters more than one might think. Many of the health conversations women most need to have — about fatigue, mood changes, sleep, reproductive health, or simply the sense that “something doesn’t feel right” — never happen because life crowds out the opportunity.

A wellness visit creates that space.

Here are two common excuses: “I’m so busy I don’t have time.” Second, many women in our area carry a quiet concern about cost. If you have insurance, you should know that most plans are required to cover annual preventive visits at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are uninsured or underinsured, please call our office or the office of whoever provides your medical care. We will work with you.

Your health matters – because you matter

Still thinking you don’t have time? Please consider this: you matter to the people around you. Taking one hour, once a year, to invest in your own well-being is not selfish. It is wise. It is responsible. And I respectfully suspect it may be long overdue for many of you reading this.

So here is my invitation — and my ask. If you have not had a wellness visit this year, please call your provider and schedule one. If you have been putting it off, consider this your gentle and well-meaning nudge. And if a friend or family member comes to mind as you read these words, share this with her.

Your health is worth it. Please act today.

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A board-qualified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has been providing wellness visits for women and families for more than 30 years in southern Indiana.