Meningococcal Vaccine: Protection, Risk, Schedule

Vital Signs, Vital Specialists: Your Annual Entrepreneurial Health Checkup

Scott Snider is the President of Exit Planning Institute, the authority on Exit Planning education.

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Every year, it's important to make sure your entrepreneurial health is in the best shape possible with checkups that gauge your company's culture and value, as well as your personal involvement. I liken these checkups to getting an annual physical or wellness exam.

As I was thinking about this year's checkups, I realized that just like I rely on my primary care physician for a clear physical assessment, I also heavily rely on a team of specialists to properly evaluate my entrepreneurial health.

Here are the steps I take to conduct this checkup—and how other entrepreneurs can do the same now that we're in 2025.

Cast a wide net to start.

One day in the fourth quarter, I meet with all 35 employees for an entire day. We engage in a variety of activities all aimed at giving them the opportunity to offer feedback, voice concerns and share ideas. I've found that often, the best growth opportunities are planted during this time.

As president or CEO, your role is simple: Be curious and listen. If you didn't hold this type of meeting with your employees before the end of the year, take the time now to get a pulse check on your people and culture. These meetings can also help you evaluate where to invest in your company, how to allocate resources, what to pull back on and what to champion.

Lean on your team of experts.

This starts with internal experts—your executive leadership team. I host a five-day, off-site executive retreat where each business leader presents their functional area by sharing goals, opportunities, threats, income-producing activities and value-creating strategies. As I listen to each leader, I'm simultaneously looking for themes. Are initiatives operational in nature or more tech-related? Do we need partnerships to achieve our goals?

After everyone has presented, we use the rest of the retreat to plan for the next two years: revenue, employees, membership base, etc. We also look externally and do a market check, including market size, competition, member demographics, technological advancements, economic conditions, barriers, profitability metrics and emerging trends.

This collaborative planning helps everyone have a stake in the plan. It cultivates a commitment to your vision of where you want to be in five years.

Pause for some solo work.

This is the one time in the process that the work is solitary. I download all the functional plans from the retreat and finalize a comprehensive five-year plan with year-by-year financial projections. This plan is also informed by what I learned during the all-day employee feedback session.

What do employees think are the opportunities for growth? What is hampering them? Most importantly, how does this affect the value of the company? Questions like these can help you build a significant company—one that outlasts you and is successful even after you have exited from it.

When you're ready, meet with any business partners.

My company is a family business, and my dad is my partner. While I tend to lead company planning (and he has his area of expertise, too), I lean into his wisdom and experience to determine how the plan affects the projected value of our company. Before we turn the calendar to a new business year, we go through a family business assessment. This is our blueprint for discussing the state of our business, as well as our business partnership and personal relationship.

Each year, I recommend assessing the three legs of the value stool: business, financial and personal. The personal leg is just as important, but it's often overlooked. It affects the other two legs and will leave things imbalanced if it's not considered. Gauge where you are as owners: Is it time to grow, or is it time to exit? The answers affect the strategy and must be considered.

Conduct a final check with external value advisors.

My final check before passing "go" on a yearly business plan is to do an enterprise value assessment with my external team of exit planning advisors. This core team—which includes an attorney, certified public accountant, growth advisor and financial planner—looks at the company's range of value. Specifically, they assess wealth, profit and value gaps and bring any risk concerns to the forefront. We are constantly looking at how to accelerate value, so that when the time comes, we can exit on our terms—something that is only possible with intentional exit planning.

End where you began.

Present the final plan to your company. I do this so they can see how they helped shape our vision and how critical they are to our future.

Setting a business plan is a complex process. But as you gather insights, evaluate stats and cast your vision, remind yourself that the company is about more than you—and that you wouldn't be successful without each individual who helps ensure your entrepreneurial health is fit and your work together is fulfilling.

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The Importance Of Wellness Exams After 50

Seniors are a growing and increasingly prosperous demographic. As the senior population increases, a greater emphasis must be placed on keeping aging individuals healthy. Wellness checks are important at any age, but they bear even more significance as individuals grow older.

Age brings with it many things, including experience and wisdom. But age also brings an increased risk for health problems. Aging men and women are vulnerable to chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD, cancer, and arthritis. It's noteworthy that many chronic health conditions fail to produce any symptoms until they have progressed to a point where treatment is difficult.

Annual wellness exams can help older adults take charge of their health and stay as healthy as possible. It's possible for a person to preserve his or her health (and possibly life) through check-ups and easy tests. Here are some common screenings and health recommendations that come up in the prime of one's life.

• Colorectal cancer screening: A colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone at age 45. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and risk increases at age 45. Although people seldom look forward to a colonoscopy and the required prep, putting off this test due to a little discomfort may result in missing colon cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.

• Cholesterol screening: This simple blood test can help evaluate the risk for heart disease. High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making them narrower and less flexible, according to Sharecare, Inc.

• Mammogram: Most health organizations recommend annual mammogram screenings from age 40 until menopause. Then it may be possible to have a mammogram every other year for those who are at average risk. It is important for women to discuss mammogram frequency with their doctors, particularly if there is a family history of breast cancer.

• Diabetes: ChenMed says diabetes may be more common in older adults, so regular screenings for this illness can enable early diagnosis and management.

• Testicular cancer screening: This test generally is not recommended without symptoms. Some organizations suggest men with a family history or other risk factors consider performing self-examinations.

• Vaccination needs: Doctors can alert patients to recommended vaccinations during wellness exams. Seniors should receive an annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccination as available. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect against pneumococcal disease that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Adults over 50 also should receive a vaccination for shingles, which can occur in older age in those who have previously experienced chickenpox.

There are additional advantages to routine health checkups. Doctors can inquire about fitness routines, stress, sleep, and diet to see if patients are within the guidelines for healthy living.

Older age may make a person wiser, but the risk for various health issues and certain diseases increases with age. Routine health check-ups can keep doctors and patients on the same page.

Your Annual Wellness Visit: A Step Toward Better Health

Your annual wellness visit is more than just a routine appointment — it's your chance to take charge of your health and ensure you're on the right track. As you age, your health needs can change, and this visit offers an opportunity to catch any issues early. From updating your health records to discussing new screenings and vaccinations, it's a good time to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider and prioritize your overall well-being.

How to Prepare for Your Wellness Visit

The key to making the most of your appointment is being prepared. Start by jotting down any questions or concerns you may have — big or small. Having them written down ensures you don't forget anything important during the visit. For extra peace of mind, you might consider recording the conversation (with your provider's permission) so you can review their advice later.

It can also be helpful to bring a friend or family member with you. They can act as your advocate, help ask questions, and provide support during the visit. Don't forget to bring your health records — especially a list of all the medications and supplements you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, or over-the-counter medications. If there's a history of chronic conditions in your family — like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer — be sure to share this information as well.

Screenings, Vaccines, and Blood Tests: What to Expect

During your wellness visit, your provider will likely check important health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI). This is also the time to discuss any recommended screenings, such as those for breast, prostate, or colon health. And don't forget to ask about vaccines. Flu shots, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines are key in keeping you healthy as you age.

Blood tests may be another part of your check-up. These tests can help your care team detect potential health problems, manage chronic conditions, and ensure your organs, like your liver, kidneys, and heart, are functioning properly. Some common blood tests include complete blood counts (CBC), blood chemistry tests, and those for heart disease risk. Be sure to ask your provider why the test is needed and how much it will cost. Some tests may require fasting, so check in advance if that's the case.

Understanding the Power of Blood Tests

Blood tests offer valuable insights into your overall health. They help your health provider monitor conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and anemia, and can even detect early signs of serious illnesses like cancer. After your sample is taken, it's sent to a lab for analysis, and you'll typically receive your results within a few days to a week. Understanding these results is essential for making informed decisions about your health.

By staying proactive and prepared for your annual wellness visit, you ensure you're taking the necessary steps to maintain your health and catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. Regular check-ups are vital for staying ahead of your health needs as you age — don't wait to make your next appointment!

Dr. Amanda O'Loughlin sees patients at Barton Community Health Center. Schedule your annual wellness appointment and any overdue health screenings with your primary care provider today. Learn more about Barton Primary Care offices at BartonHealth.Org or by calling 530.543.5623. Or learn more about lab services, including Community Wellness Lab Draws: discounted, non-insurance lab tests, by calling 530.543.5850.

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