How to Habit Stack Your Flu Shot This Winter

January 14th, 2025
3 minute read

Woman smiling at physician

Peanut butter and jelly. Lennon and McCartney. Some things are just better as pairs. While we aren’t claiming that the flu shot is as iconic as these dynamic duos, maybe it’s time we gave it the couple treatment. If you’re already in the habit of scheduling a flu shot every fall or winter—which is proven to be safe and effective at preventing serious illness—could you add another healthy habit to your routine? It’s a practice called habit stacking. Add an action that you want to make a part of your routine to something you already do regularly to boost your health, such as mixing fiber into your daily cup of coffee or drinking water while you take your evening walk. Why not give the flu shot the same treatment? What other healthy habit could you think about adding to your schedule? Below, find five screenings that you can talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling today. These preventive screenings can help you live a healthy life, detect problems early, and, in some cases, even prevent disease.

Your annual physical. Your doctor will make sure your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and BMI are on target as well as discuss any health concerns you have. In addition to your physical health, your primary care doctor can help you address your mental health as well. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of depression, for example, reach out to your doctor to rule out any physical causes, and, when necessary, they can refer you to a mental health professional. If you haven’t established a relationship with a primary care provider, find a BJC HealthCare doctor who is accepting new patients today.
A skin cancer screening. You take care of your skin year-round by wearing SPF, but it’s also a good idea to get a skin screening. If you notice anything new or changing on your skin (including your scalp and underneath your nails), you should see a dermatologist. Even if you don’t have any concerning symptoms or a history of skin cancer, it’s recommended to visit a dermatologist every couple of years to check moles and freckles.
A colorectal cancer screening. If you’ve reached age 45, it's time to schedule your first colonoscopy. Doing so can help check for early signs of colorectal cancer—a very treatable cancer when caught early—and, in the case of polyp removal, even prevent cancer. Talk to your doctor to see if scheduling a colonoscopy is right for you.
Your annual well-woman exam. If you’re a woman, establishing a relationship with an OB-GYN and getting your well-woman exam is one of the healthiest habits you can cultivate. These providers are key in helping you prevent and detect reproductive cancers and are your partners in navigating family planning. Among other important prevention measures, your OB-GYN will screen you for cervical cancer with a Pap smear and give you regular breast exams. If you don’t have a regular OB-GYN, find a BJC HealthCare doctor seeing new patients today.
A mammogram. This screening test detects breast cancer in early stages when treatment is more likely to produce good outcomes, and it’s recommended that women begin receiving an annual mammogram at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your OB-GYN can help you determine if you should begin mammograms earlier. Schedule your annual mammogram today.

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