Check-up Checklist: What to ask your doctor in your 20s and 30s, according to experts

January 29, 2025 | 2 min read

If you’re otherwise healthy in your 20s or 30s, you may think of regular doctor’s appointments as a chore. But periodic check-ins for people in this age group can set the stage for better short-term and long-term health, says Dr. Stephen Pomedli, Primary Care Physician with Cleveland Clinic Canada, Manulife’s Medical Director.

“It’s a good time to start paying attention to potential health concerns, like substance use and mental health, that may not always be prioritized.” These check-ins are also helpful for identifying risks for diseases or conditions that could surface in the future, he adds.

Here are some questions to consider discussing during a regular check-up with a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner when you’re in your 20s or 30s, recommended by medical experts.

What to ask your doctor about sexual health

Ask what practices are best for you to ensure safer sex. “The goal is to reduce your risk and help you have safer experiences,” says Dr. Pomedli.
If you’re sexually active, request tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), ask how often you should be tested, and about symptoms you should be aware of.
If pregnancy is in your future plans, ask what you can do now to prepare.

What to ask your doctor about substance use

If you drink alcohol regularly or use recreational substances, ask how it might be affecting your health. “Be open to discussing the frequency of use and any concerns about your use, such as whether it’s affecting your well-being, day-to-day functioning, or those around you,” advises Dr. Pomedli.

What to ask your doctor about mental health

It’s never too early to start talking about mental health with your primary care clinician, Dr. Pomedli says. Share the major stressors in your life and ask about their potential effects on your mental and physical health.
Ask about different tactics and tools you can use to bolster your mental health, including how lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and sleep, can support better mental health.
Ask what kinds of supports—formal or otherwise—are available to help you improve and maintain your mental health.

What to ask your doctor about cardiovascular health

Get in the habit of asking to test your blood pressure and other risk factors for cardiovascular conditions, such as cholesterol , says Dr. Al Qahwash, DPT and Director, Cardiac Care and Critical Care at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener ON, home of the Manulife-supported PREVENT Clinic. “If you start doing these tests as a habit when you’re young, you’re going to be more likely to continue into your middle age and later stages of life.”

What to raise about your family history

Share what you know about your family history of illness. “It might seem early to be discussing conditions that might not surface for decades, but it’s helpful to have those discussions now, as it might suggest the need for earlier testing or monitoring, depending on the condition.” Dr. Pomedli says
Ask what illnesses or conditions your family history suggests you might be at higher risk to experience.
Ask about lifestyle changes you can make now to prevent or modify risks that may run in your family.

It’s also helpful to make a list beforehand about any specific issues you may be concerned about--and don’t hesitate to raise them. “We all know doctors are busy, which means we may not ask important questions because we know they have to get on to the next patient,” says Karen Cutler, Head of Underwriting and Chief Underwriter for Manulife’s individual insurance business. But knowledge is power, she says. “You should feel comfortable being your own advocate.”

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation or are seeking medical advice, contact your medical doctor or your healthcare provider.

Cleveland Clinic Canada
Manulife is proud to have Cleveland Clinic Canada on board as Medical Director for our Group Benefits operations. Cleveland Clinic Canada has a wealth of global healthcare expertise and shares our goal to help Canadians live longer, healthier, and better lives. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of modern medicine since 1921. In recent years, Cleveland Clinic has worked with progressive companies in Canada and around the world to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and communities.

St. Mary’s PREVENT Clinic

In alignment with our Impact Agenda and our commitment to sustained health and well-being, Manulife Canada is proud to support the PREVENT Clinic powered by Manulife. Located within the St. Mary's Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the clinic serves as a multidisciplinary, risk-factor reduction program for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.