Been to the vet lately? I know so many people who take better care of their pets than they do themselves; they faithfully take Fido in for checkups to prevent future problems, but have a dis-connect when it comes to their own health.
There is no excuse for avoiding annual physicals. I don’t like going to the doctor, either! Who does? You must have a regular doctor with whom you have some amount of trust and a consistent relationship, or you are limiting the care you receive when you are sick. A couple of years ago I didn’t receive a reminder in the mail for my yearly mammogram, and that was my excuse for allowing 19 months to go by between exams. When I explained this line of reasoning to the doctor, she simply reminded me that it is my responsibility to advocate for myself. Ouch. It is your responsibility, not that of anyone else, to keep you healthy. If you’re avoiding the doctor because of fear or guilt, you know you have already waited too long. Hold yourself to a higher standard and do what needs to be done.
I checked WedMD’s website for guidance: Each year around your birthday, give yourself a gift. Schedule a visit to your dentist and call your doctor to see if there are important tests you should take. With an investment of an hour or two, you may be able to add years to your life.
howsyourlovelife 
“Hold yourself to a higher standard and do what needs to be done.” Good advice for so many things in life.
Agreed! Now, to actually do it in those many things….