Keeping (bi)annual appointments with your doctor (e.g. GP, dentist, OB/GYN) can play an important role in being healthy as finding conditions early can be crucial to a timely treatment

Going to your family practitioner at least once a year ensures that among other things you get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly, your medications are managed and your immunizations are up to date. Besides that, it helps your doctor to get to know you better so that when a need arises, (s)he can treat you better.

Seeing your dentist twice a year and getting your teeth cleaned can prevent gum disease that may lead to tooth loss. Also, having small cavities fixed is much easier (and cheaper) than treating caries that has reached all the way inside a tooth.

For women it's also important to visit their OB/GYN yearly to make sure their reproductive organs are healthy. Your doctor can also detect different kinds of cancers to ensure that you'll be treated early.

When going to your doctor, it is a good idea to be prepared and plan ahead. Writing down your concerns, fears and other questions helps you and your practitioner make the most of the 15-30 minutes you see each other. Being honest and asking follow-up questions helps you get the best results from the visit.

It is a good practice to make the next appointment when checking out. Then you can mark it in your calendar and set a reminder for a week before to make sure you won't forget your appointment.