If you already head to the doctor’s office once a year for an annual physical: good job.

If you don’t, let this be your reminder to go ahead and book that appointment—and perhaps let go of some of your anxiety surrounding your check-up.

And yes, you should schedule an annual physical exam even if you feel relatively healthy. “Many of us may only visit a doctor when we are sick, but having a primary care doctor and an annual physical is important,” says Dr. Heather Viola, an assistant professor of medicine and primary care physician at Mount Sinai Doctors-Ansonia in New York City.

“It’s important to establish a relationship with a physician that you trust, and this starts with yearly well visits.”

Here’s who should schedule an annual physical, what to expect at the appointment, and how to ease anxiety leading up to your yearly exam.

Why Get an Annual Physical?

One of the reasons doctors advocate so strongly for annual physicals is because they’re important for catching “silent” disease early and treating it before it leads to a bigger problem, says Dr. Erika Kalabacas, a family-medicine physician at Northwell Health Physician Partners in Huntington, N.Y. She can recount numerous appointments where she has caught high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and even bust and skin cancer at early and treatable stages.

Your annual physical is also essential as a mental-health screening tool. “Your mental health is a big part of your physical health, and this is why we have included anxiety and depression screenings into the annual,” says Kalabacas. Mental-health issues have a way of flying under the radar, Viola says, as they “may not otherwise be addressed or identified if not for the routine visit.”

What Happens at an Annual Physical?

Sometimes called an “annual” or “yearly physical,” these appointments are essential for monitoring your health and taking proactive steps towards safeguarding it. During the appointment, a primary-care provider evaluates your overall health and your risk factors for chronic disease.

The visit, which takes about 30 minutes, typically includes a blood draw, physical examination by your physician, an evaluation of your vital signs such as blood pressure and weight, and a review of your medical history and medications.

A physical isn’t only about unearthing new problems. Rather, annual physicals are an important time to discuss preventive health: what you can do to stay healthy based on your individual risk factors and family history, says Viola.

How to Prepare for a Physical

Kalabacas and Viola share that you should do the following before your physical exam.

- If your blood draw will happen at or after your visit, you may want to fast from eating for at least eight hours before your appointment.

- If you are a new patient, come prepared with your health history.

- Get records from other specialists forwarded to your primary care physician’s office.

- Write down your key issues.

- Get familiar with your family history.

- Find out if there are any special instructions to follow.

- Write notes down during your visit.

- Arrive early.

After Your Exam, What’s Next?

Before you even leave the office, there are some steps you can take to make the most of your visit. At the conclusion of your appointment, Viola always recommends asking for a recap of the visit if one hasn’t been provided.

Often, people won’t ask questions when their doctor is right in front of them, she says. Instead of this missed opportunity, advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to make inquiries.

One last thing to do before you wrap up your physical is to ask for a referral if needed.

Once the appointment is over, ask the front desk staff what the best way to contact your provider is if you have any follow-up questions.

What to Do if You’re Anxious About Your Physical

If you’re feeling anxious or nervous leading up to your exam, you’re not alone. Both Viola and Kalabacas share that it’s common to be nervous about visiting your doctor, especially a new one. “But remember, they are here to help you,” says Viola.