It’s Self-Check Month: Your Checkup Checklist

Keenova works to help people live healthier and happier lives through research, partnerships, and patient education. You also play a big role in your own health. Speaking up, making appointments, and finding healthcare providers who can support you are important steps.

Here are three things you can do this February to take care of your health.

1. Schedule Your Annual Physical

Good health comes from regular habits. Your body needs inspections just like your car or your home. An annual physical gives you a chance to talk with a provider about your overall health.

What to expect: 

• • A healthcare provider checks your weight and vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and blood sugar.¹
  • Some men choose to talk with their provider about whether a prostate exam is right for them.²
  • Your provider can discuss any other screenings that make sense for you based on your age and family history.

2. Talk with a Professional about Mental Health

Stress and emotions can affect your body. They may show up as pain, stomach issues, or sleep troubles.³ Talking about how you feel can help you understand what is going on and what support or strategies might help. 

What you can do:

• • Learn about common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • Talk with your primary care provider about any questions or concerns, and if needed, ask them for a referral to a mental health professional.

3. Stay Informed about Your Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important part of your overall well‑being. Regular check‑ins help you understand your body and catch changes early.

What you can do:

• • Ask your provider if sexually transmitted disease testing is right for you.⁴
  • Talk openly with a provider about any changes you notice in your sexual health. For men, this can include learning about conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency. For women, issues may include hormone shifts, vaginal irritation, and pelvic floor health.
  • Share concerns with a specialist, such as a urologist or gynecologist, so you can get the right guidance for your needs.

References:  

1. Cleveland Clinic. Why You Need an Annual Physical and What to Expect. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-need-an-annual-physical-and-what-to-expect
2. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. Stress Symptoms: Effects on Your Body and Behavior. Mayo Clinic. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. STD Testing: What You Can Expect. Mayo Clinic. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019