Special to IFN
A 2025 survey shows that an astonishing 90% of Americans have delayed seeking preventive medical care at some point. This could be due to logistics, finances, or even fear or anxiety.
Hannah Brown, nurse practitioner at Family Care Center of Statesville, shares some helpful information about how to prepare for and what to expect at a checkup:
Q: What exactly is included in a typical wellness check?
A: A wellness visit is a chance to step back and look at the big picture of your health. We’ll check basics like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, but we’ll also talk about things that don’t always come up in a quick sick visit such as your chronic conditions, long-term medications, sleep, mood, exercise, and stress. We’ll also review any recommended screenings. Think of it as a yearly tune-up for your body: making sure everything is on track and catching small concerns before they become bigger problems.
Q: What kinds of conditions can be caught early during a routine checkup?
A: Lots of things we don’t always feel creeping up—like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems, or even cancers like breast, cervical, or colon—can be picked up early. Symptoms are a late sign of disease process. You may feel fine, but your body can be quietly developing problems. Millennial generations born since 1990 are now facing twice the risk of colon cancer compared to prior generations. A simple blood test or screening often gives us the chance to step in early and change the story.
Q: How do you decide which screenings or vaccines are needed during a wellness visit?
A: I tailor it to each person—your age, health history, family history, beliefs and lifestyle all guide what’s recommended. What is right for you may not be right for someone else. The goal isn’t to overload you with tests, but to make sure the right ones are done at the right time.
Q: What should patients bring or prepare before their appointment?
A: Bring a list of your medications (including over the counter and supplements), any recent test results (colonoscopies, mammograms, X-rays), a list of any specialty providers you are seeing, and your questions—especially the ones you’ve been “saving for later.” If you track blood pressure or blood sugar at home, bring those too. The more information we have, the better we can care for you.
Q: How do you approach sensitive topics like weight, mental health, or substance use?
A: With permission, kindness, and no judgment. Many people carry fear, shame, or past negative experiences when it comes to these topics. I usually ask, “Is it okay if we talk about this today?” because it’s your body and your story. The truth is that these conversations can be lifechanging when handled with care. It’s not about blame; it’s about support.
Q: What would you say to someone who hasn’t seen a provider in years?
A: Imagine the person you love most in this world. Now, care for yourself the way you’d want them cared for. Often, the longer someone waits, the more afraid they feel—and that’s normal. But every step forward is progress. A wellness visit isn’t about judgment; it’s about partnership. My Intensive Care Unit (ICU) days taught me how fragile life can be, and how many catastrophic health events could have been prevented if someone had checked in sooner. Your health matters. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to give it the attention it deserves. And if you are already in crisis =- no worries, my door is always open, and I am here to listen.
LEARN MORE
Hannah Brown is accepting new patients at Family Care Center of Statesville. For more information, visit fccstatesville.com or call 704-978-2250.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; more than 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.