Being healthy isn’t all about getting “in-tune” with your body when something feels off. Wellness is about proactive, deliberate care, understanding what to track, when to check-in with yourself, and how to interpret the information to maximise and maintain your vitality! An annual wellness checklist is what you need.
At Health Equals Wellness, we are passionate about empowering individuals to own their health journeys to not just survive but to thrive! This detailed guide will help you identify which important health markers to assess each year, and why they are important.
Why an Annual Wellness Checklist Matters
Think of your body as a sophisticated machine, it requires continuous upkeep, or even the best systems wear out over time. An annual wellness check, is just like a car diagnostic for your body; it helps catch smaller problems before they become bigger problems, recalibrate your lifestyle, and direct your energy towards your greater sense of purpose.
A custom wellness checklist is not only for people with a chronic illness, it is for anyone who wants to age well, keep their energy, and live with purpose.
At Health Equals Wellness, we use conventional tools and functional holistic tools together to give our clients as full a picture of their overall health as possible. If you want to create a wellness checklist or are looking to tweak an existing one, this checklist is for you.
1. Vital Signs and Basic Health Metrics
Annual physicals will frequently begin here and that is for a reason; because these values provided a snapshot of your internal balance.
What to note:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Body temperature
- Respiratory rate
- Weight and BMI (though just one of many factors indicating health)
What does this supposed to mean;
Changes in these important values reveal internal strain to cardiovascular effort, hormones and if inflammation is starting.
At Health Equals Wellness these numbers are viewed not as isolated values, but to view together which need to be considered in the context of your full health picture to include stress, problems with sleep and nutrition.
2. Comprehensive Blood Work
Lab work is the foundation of functional wellness care. It can uncover what symptoms may be hiding beneath the surface.
Key tests to consider:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid Panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
- Vitamin D and B12 levels
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- Hemoglobin A1C and fasting glucose
- Hormone levels (especially for women over 30)
Why it matters:
Many conditions like insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and nutrient deficiencies don’t show symptoms until they’re advanced. Regular testing helps catch and reverse these issues early.
Through our custom lab review process at Health Equals Wellness, we provide detailed insights into these markers, not just whether they’re “normal,” but whether they’re optimal for your body.
3. Gut Health & Digestion
You are not just what you eat, you are what you absorb. Digestive health underpins immunity, mood, and metabolism.
What to monitor:
- Bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements
- Food sensitivities
- Stool tests (if recommended)
- Signs of leaky gut or microbiome imbalance
Why it matters:
Chronic gut issues can lead to systemic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and autoimmune flare-ups. In many cases, the gut is the missing link in a person’s wellness strategy.
We offer personalized gut health support, including microbiome testing and anti-inflammatory meal planning at Health Equals Wellness.
4. Sleep Quality and Duration
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable for healing and restoration.
Track:
- Hours slept
- Sleep cycles (deep, REM)
- Night-time wake-ups
- Snoring or sleep apnea
Why it matters:
Poor sleep affects cognitive function, hormone regulation, weight gain, and even immune response. Many of our clients are surprised by how much their wellness improves once sleep is addressed.
At Health Equals Wellness, we help you track sleep with wearables or apps and guide you in natural, non-invasive interventions for better rest.
5. Stress and Emotional Wellbeing
Annual wellness isn’t just about physical health. Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your body, silently contributing to everything from adrenal fatigue to high blood pressure.
What to track:
- Stress levels (subjective scale or cortisol testing)
- Anxiety, irritability, or burnout
- Work-life balance
- Emotional resilience
Why it matters:
Unchecked stress can lead to serious physical decline. That’s why we use both lifestyle counseling and integrative stress support, including breathwork, adaptogens, and lifestyle restructuring.
Our programs at Health Equals Wellness emphasize emotional wellness as a core pillar of your health, not an afterthought.
6. Hormonal Health (Especially for Women Over 30)
Your hormones control more than reproduction, they regulate metabolism, mood, sleep, and more.
What to track:
- Menstrual cycle regularity
- PMS, mood swings, or heavy bleeding
- Libido and energy levels
- Menopause or perimenopause symptoms
Why it matters:
Hormonal imbalances are common, especially in women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Left unmanaged, they can lead to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and infertility.
At Health Equals Wellness, we offer natural hormone balancing solutions including nutrition, herbal support, and targeted supplementation.
7. Nutrient Intake and Supplement Strategy
Even with a clean diet, deficiencies are common due to depleted soil, gut issues, or absorption problems.
What to track:
- Daily nutrient intake
- Supplement quality and dosage
- Blood levels of key vitamins and minerals
Why it matters:
Without proper nutrients, the body can’t perform basic functions like cell repair, detoxification, or hormone production. We help you fine-tune your intake and remove guesswork.
Our practitioners at Health Equals Wellness assess your diet and customize supplement plans that fit your unique needs, not just one-size-fits-all multivitamins.
8. Fitness, Movement & Mobility
Wellness isn’t complete without movement that supports your lifestyle.
Track:
- Exercise frequency and type (strength, cardio, flexibility)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Range of motion
- Posture and alignment
Why it matters:
Exercise supports cardiovascular health, mood regulation, and metabolic function. But overtraining or improper movements can do more harm than good.
We help you design sustainable movement plans at Health Equals Wellness, especially for women seeking balanced fitness without burnout.
9. Detoxification & Inflammation Monitoring
Your body’s ability to clear toxins is foundational to staying vibrant and disease-free.
What to track:
- Liver enzyme levels
- Skin issues or headaches
- Sensitivity to smells or chemicals
- Swelling or joint stiffness
Why it matters:
Toxic overload contributes to inflammation, which is a root cause of most chronic diseases. Supporting natural detox pathways is essential.
We integrate detox strategies like lymphatic drainage, anti-inflammatory diets, and liver support protocols at Health Equals Wellness.
10. Preventive Screenings and Exams
Lastly, don’t overlook conventional screenings that save lives when done routinely.
Recommended screenings:
- Pap smear and pelvic exam
- Breast exam or mammogram
- Colonoscopy (after age 45)
- Skin cancer screening
- Bone density scans
Why it matters:
Even in a functional medicine framework, early detection is key. We work hand-in-hand with other specialists to ensure you’re protected on all fronts.
Build Your Personalized Wellness Plan with Us
An annual checklist is just the beginning. At Health Equals Wellness, we believe your wellness journey should be unique to your biology, lifestyle, and goals.
We combine science-based testing, holistic strategies, and compassionate coaching to give you the complete roadmap to better health. No more guesswork. No more generic advice. Just personalized, powerful care that works for you.
Ready to take charge of your health?
Visit www.healthequalswellness.com to schedule your annual wellness consultation. Let us help you turn your yearly check-in into a lifelong transformation.
Because at Health Equals Wellness, your health isn’t just a priority, it’s our purpose.
