A recent survey from 2025 indicates that 90% of Americans have postponed preventive medical care at some point, with reasons ranging from logistical and financial issues to anxiety or fear. In response, Hannah Brown, a nurse practitioner at Family Care Center of Statesville, has offered guidance on what patients can expect during a wellness check.
According to Brown, a typical wellness visit provides an overview of a patient’s health. “We’ll check basics like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, but we’ll also talk about things that don’t always come up in a quick sick visit such as your chronic conditions, long-term medications, sleep, mood, exercise, and stress. We’ll also review any recommended screenings. Think of it as a yearly tune-up for your body: making sure everything is on track and catching small concerns before they become bigger problems.”
Brown notes that routine checkups can help detect health issues before symptoms arise. “Lots of things we don’t always feel creeping up—like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems, or even cancers like breast, cervical, or colon—can be picked up early. Symptoms are a late sign of disease process. You may feel fine, but your body can be quietly developing problems. Millennial generations born since 1990 are now facing twice the risk of colon cancer compared to prior generations. A simple blood test or screening often gives us the chance to step in early and change the story.”
Screenings and vaccines are determined based on individual factors. “I tailor it to each person—your age, health history, family history, beliefs and lifestyle all guide what’s recommended. What is right for you may not be right for someone else. The goal isn’t to overload you with tests, but to make sure the right ones are done at the right time,” Brown explained.
To prepare for an appointment, Brown advises patients to bring key information with them. “Bring a list of your medications (including over the counter and supplements), any recent test results (colonoscopies, mammograms, X-rays), a list of any specialty providers you are seeing, and your questions—especially the ones you’ve been ‘saving for later.’ If you track blood pressure or blood sugar at home, bring those too. The more information we have, the better we can care for you.”
Addressing sensitive topics is part of her approach as well: “With permission, kindness, and no judgment. Many people carry fear, shame, or past negative experiences when it comes to these topics. I usually ask ‘Is it okay if we talk about this today?’—because it’s your body and your story. The truth is that these conversations can be life-changing when handled with care. It’s not about blame; it’s about support.”
For those who have not seen a provider in years or feel apprehensive about returning to care settings after delays: “Imagine the person you love most in this world. Now care for yourself the way you’d want them cared for. Often the longer someone waits the more afraid they feel—and that’s normal. But every step forward is progress. A wellness visit isn’t about judgment; it’s about partnership. My Intensive Care Unit (ICU) days taught me how fragile life can be and how many catastrophic health events could have been prevented if someone had checked in sooner. Your health matters. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to give it the attention it deserves. And if you are already in crisis- no worries my door is always open and I am here to listen.”
Brown is currently accepting new patients at Family Care Center of Statesville.
