10-16-2026 10:17pm

Before You Fill Your Fall Calendar, Fill Your Health Care Gaps

Beth Callahan Editor

Contributed Photo of Dr. Sarah Kirabo

Kings Mills, OH -- As families settle back into school and work routines, Mercy Health physicians are encouraging patients to make their own health a priority by scheduling preventive screenings, annual wellness visits and recommended follow-up care before the busy fall and winter seasons begin.

With colder weather approaching and calendars quickly filling with school activities, sports, holidays and year-end obligations, many people delay routine healthcare appointments. Physicians say taking proactive steps now can help patients stay healthier in the months ahead and address concerns before they become more serious.

“Many people find that once fall arrives, their calendars quickly fill up,” said Dr. Sarah Kirabo, Mercy Health primary care physician. “This is a great time to schedule preventive screenings, follow up on ongoing health concerns or move forward with a recommended procedure before competing priorities make it more difficult.”

Staying current with preventive care can help identify health issues earlier, better manage chronic conditions and support overall wellness throughout the fall and winter months.

Physicians say there are several benefits to prioritizing preventive care now:

Getting ahead of seasonal illness: Annual wellness visits, recommended screenings and conversations with a primary care provider can help patients prepare for cold, flu and respiratory virus season.
Staying on track with preventive care: Scheduling routine screenings, vaccinations and checkups now can help patients avoid falling behind on important healthcare milestones.
Avoiding the fall calendar crunch: School, sports, work and holiday commitments often make it harder to prioritize healthcare later in the year.

For patients who need additional treatment or are considering a recommended procedure, acting sooner rather than later may also help prevent certain conditions from worsening over time.

Conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease and some digestive disorders can become more complex if left untreated, potentially leading to additional discomfort and more extensive treatment.

In addition to the health benefits, patients may also want to review their insurance coverage and healthcare benefits before the end of the year.

"Many people don't realize they may have preventive services covered by their health plan or that they are close to meeting their annual deductible," said Dr. Kirabo. "Now is a good time to understand your benefits and talk with your provider about any care you've been putting off."

As the end of the year approaches, healthcare providers often see increased demand for appointments as patients try to complete screenings, procedures and follow-up care before benefits reset.

"The most important thing is having a plan for your health," said Dr. Kirabo. "Taking care of preventive care now can help patients enter the fall and winter seasons feeling confident that they're doing everything they can to support their long-term well-being."