January Health Checklist for Men, Women, and Children 

The start of a new year is a great time to check in on your health. Many of us set health goals in January. One of the best ways to get on track is to schedule routine healthcare visits.  

As a nonprofit health system, Southern New Hampshire Health is focused on caring for you and helping our community stay healthy at every stage of life. Dr. Ciara Kazakis, Brenda MacDonald, APRN-FNP, and Brayerlis Horne, APRN-FNP, share the screenings they suggest to kick off your year of health. 

Health Screenings For Women 

Based on age, family history, and life stage, women may need different screening schedules. 

In the new year, women should ask about: 

• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks 
• Blood sugar testing 
• Breast cancer screening such as mammograms 
• Cervical cancer screening such as Pap tests 
• Bone health screening, especially after menopause 

Dr. Ciara Kazakis of Downtown Medical Associates adds, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure. I believe in staying vigilant on the advanced screening techniques we have at our disposal to help us detect early life-threatening ailments such as breast and colon cancer. When we stay ahead of our health problems and remain proactive, we have the best opportunity at achieving overall wellness.” 

For a more complete list of screenings, check out “By the Numbers: Women’s Health Suggested Screenings by Age.” 

Health Screenings For Men 

Men often put off doctor visits, but regular screenings can catch problems early. 

In January, men should ask their primary care provider about: 

• Blood pressure checks 
• Cholesterol testing 
• Blood sugar testing for diabetes 
• Colon cancer screening, usually starting at age 45 
• Prostate health discussions based on age and family history 

"Prevention is always more effective than a cure, but we can’t treat what we don’t track. Many of the most serious conditions, like hypertension or high cholesterol, often have no symptoms until they reach a critical stage. By staying consistent with these screenings, people take the power back into their own hands, allowing us to detect risks early and create a roadmap for a long, healthy life," says Brayerlis Horne, APRN-FNP, of Downtown Medical Associates. 

Staying on top of these screenings can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. 

Health Screenings For Children and Teens 

Kids and teens benefit from regular checkups, even when they seem healthy. 

Parents should ask their child’s healthcare provider about: 

• Annual physicals and growth checks 
• Vision and hearing screenings 
• Vaccines that may be due 
• Mental health and emotional wellness 
• Sports physicals if needed 

Brenda E. MacDonald, APRN-FNP of Amherst Family Practice, explains, “Annual checkups are critical for children and teenagers because they support healthy growth, early detection of concerns, and prevention long before problems become obvious. Regular physicals and growth checks ensure children are developing appropriately, while vision and hearing screenings can uncover issues that may affect learning and behavior but often otherwise go unnoticed. Keeping vaccines up to date protects not only the child but also the community from serious, preventable diseases. Mental health screenings are especially important during childhood and adolescence, as emotional and behavioral concerns can emerge even when a child appears physically healthy. Sports physicals help ensure it’s safe for teens to participate in activities and reduce the risk of injury. These routine visits allow providers to catch small issues early, guide families on nutrition, sleep, and safety, and build a trusted relationship that supports long-term health.” 

Get Started This January 

Every person is different, and the suggestions above are not necessarily right for you. The best way to stay on track with your health goals is to have regular contact with your primary care provider, who knows you well. If you, or a family member, are looking for a healthcare provider, Dr. Ciara Kazakis, Brenda MacDonald, APRN-FNP, and Brayerlis Horne, APRN-FNP, are accepting new patients. To make an appointment or choose a primary care provider and start the new year right, contact HealthMatch at 603-880-3279. 

Each of these contributors are accepting new patients! 

Dr. Ciara Kazakis is a board-certified physician at Downtown Medical Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Brenda E. MacDonald, APRN-FNP is a certified family nurse practitioner at Amherst Family Practice in Amherst, New Hampshire.

Brayerlis Horne, APRN-FNP is a certified family nurse practitioner at Downtown Medical Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire.