Why You Should Skip Your Annual Check-Up

My Prescription for Health

by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

Self-healing

The other day I received my “health plan” from my insurance company, which informed me that my health plan for the next year is to 1) get a mammogram, 2) get a colonoscopy, 3) have my lipid profile done, and 4) get a blood pressure check.

Clearly my insurance company does not know me or the fact that I have been questioning routines and procedures such as these that have no data to support them for my entire career. They are completely unnecessary. Obviously, I will not be following this “health plan.”

Another completely unnecessary routine is the annual “check-up”. Yet, they have been ingrained in our culture for decades. The problem is that check-ups have evolved into 15-minute meetings where doctors, who typically don’t know you, hand out prescriptions, recommend diagnostic tests to look for diseases you don’t have, and give warnings about impending problems you will encounter if you don’t subscribe to every word they and the medical establishment say.

You see, one of the fundamental beliefs of the medical establishment is that disease is enemy, and our bodies are the war zones. This goes hand in hand with the other fundamental belief that medical science is omnipotent. This has become even more evident during the events of the past 2 years even though the “science” has been one-sided and created to support a narrative rather than to support your health.

Now, I’m not saying you should never seek medical care for a health concern. But, if you are healthy and still scheduling your annual physical and screening tests out of habit, I want to assure you there are better ways to stay healthy. And, when you embark on a course of true health, you stop giving your power over to doctors and the insurance companies that are all incentivized to keep you sick or living in fear that you will get sick!

12 Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Medical Check-Ups

In addition to a healthy diet, appropriate level of exercise, adequate sleep, and other ways I recommend that you  avoid getting sick, here are 12 ways to avoid unnecessary medical check-ups:

  1. Strengthen your belief system around you’re your health. Thoughts and beliefs are stronger than genetics. If you believe you are healthy and will stay healthy, then you most likely will.
  2. Listen to your body. Listening to dis-ease before it become disease is the best way to ensure health. When you are in tune with your body, you intuitively know when something needs to be addressed. Often you can address it before it gets to the point of needing medical intervention.
  3. Give yourself permission. Often the only thing standing between you and a better, healthier, more abundant life is simply giving yourself a permission slip to be who you truly are meant to be.
  4. Take ascorbic acid daily. Good old vitamin C supports health in many ways as both a preventive and a therapy. Of course, there are other supplements that you may want to add to your daily routine at any given time. But vitamin C should be a staple.
  5. Get your blood sugar under control. All disease stems from inflammation. Getting your blood sugar under control can is the key to maintaining an anti-inflammatory state.
  6. Detox your pineal gland. Your pineal gland plays an important role in regulating almost every function in your body, including reproduction, executive function, growth, body temperature, blood pressure, sensory and motor activity, sleep, mood, and immune function among others.
  7. Cultivate healthy relationships. When you are in an energy-draining relationship over time it can take its toll physically as well as psychologically.
  8. Release fear. Fear that is constant and held onto for long periods of time creates a biochemical state in your body. This adversely affects your imunity and increases your susceptibility to viruses and bacteria that are all around you. 
  9. Express righteous anger. Anger often arises from unmet needs, especially at midlife. Expressing righteous anger allows you to heal your emotions and your body.
  10. Maintain a healthy microbiome. Eighty percent of your immune system is in your microbiome. Supporting your digestion can go a long way to creating a healthy gut microbiome and optimizing your overall health.
  11. Stop watching mainstream media. I have said it many times and after the events of the past 2 years I’m certain that there is no way to remain healthy if you imbibe in a constant stream of fear programming and propaganda. Just turn it off!
  12. Don’t get the flu shot. “Flu season” is another one of those medical establishment myths. In fact, flu mortality statistics have been greatly exaggerated (until COVID). Even if they were true, data shows flu shots are ineffective and they are not benign. The risk of adverse events is greater than risks associated with getting the flu for most people. Plus, research suggests that receiving annual flu vaccinations does not lower your risk of disease transmission, so you are not protecting yourself or your community!

My Plan for Achieving True Health Every Year

My plan for staying healthy is the same as it has been for many years. I believe in prevention first. So, I won’t be getting any vaccines or going for any screening tests to look for something just because of my age.

Here’s what I will be doing:

Instead of a mammogram. Instead of getting a mammogram, I will continue to get weekly massages. Massage has many health benefits. It increases relaxation, helps to keep your fascia healthy and protect you from injury, it improves circulation, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and can improve your immune function.

Instead of a colonoscopy. Instead of a colonoscopy I’ll be doing Pilates. In addition to keeping my core and pelvic floor strong, Pilates helps me move with more energy, balance, and flexibility.

Instead of a lipid profile. Instead of having a lipid profile done, I’ll be weight training 2-3 times per week.  It helps keep my muscles and bones strong. Plus, the more lean muscle you have the more calories you burn!

Instead of blood pressure testing. Instead of testing my blood pressure I’ll be praying. Prayer is real medicine.  When you put your faith in a higher power there is a constant source of healing energy available to your through the Creator. What does your annual health plan look like? Please share your thoughts in the comments section

Last Updated: November 30, 2021

Christiane Northrup, M.D.

Christiane Northrup, M.D., is a visionary pioneer and a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness. Recognizing the unity of body, mind, and spirit, she empowers women to trust their inner wisdom, their connection with Source, and their ability to truly flourish.

Comments

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  1. Maureen
    10 months ago

    This posting has encouraged me.
    I Do not think that many in the medical system really care about their patient. They care more for their paycheck. I understand that but the Hypocritic Oath has gone out the door for many.
    I have a relative who is in the medical field and told my family not to get the Covid vax. Some listened and others did not. I am one who listened and investigated. I have been investigating everything that the doctors have suggested for many years. I have been harmed by a medication that I did take in the past and I had side effects from others and from the flu shot in the past.
    I understand what you are stating regarding the mammogram.
    I do fibromyalgia and chronic vein insufficiency due to a DVT that was over 20 yrs ago and no longer on blood thinners but doing it naturally.
    High blood pressure has been a concern but I do not want to go on medications as I have seen those mess up other family members.
    I appreciate your site very much. Thank you for your information.

  2. Shereece
    2 years ago

    Thank you for this! I’ve always get this way and everyone around me thinks I’m crazy! Thank you for validating my feelings about this subject!

  3. Loretta
    3 years ago

    3 DAYS AGO A POST REGARDING “DAVE’S PAPERS” WAS ABOUT DR. SHAH. I WONDER IF YOU HAVE A COPY WITH BETTER AUDIO? I NEED THIS RIGHT AWAY IF POSSIBLE. THANKS SO MUCH!!

  4. Lee batchelor
    3 years ago

    I absolutely love this wonderful woman. A VOICE of reason in this time of complete hysteria!

  5. Andrea
    3 years ago

    Dr. Northrup, something I heard you say before the covid ‘vaccines’ came out, in regards to people labeled ‘anti-vaxx’ : “Who are you going to believe, Mothers… or the pharmaceutical industry?” (I’m paraphrasing. It’s what I remember you saying). And that sentence has rung in my mind over and over and over. That Mothers have been demonized for speaking out FOR THEIR CHILDREN, makes my blood boil.
    I will ALWAYS take the side of Mothers. And I thank you for your bravery and your critical thinking and your speaking up when so many remain silent and I love you.

  6. Faith
    3 years ago

    I’ve been feeling pressured to go through all the routine stuff mentioned and every bone in my body says “don’t do it”. I’ve been asking for guidance. And then I saw your post. Thank you so very, very much for a gift most gratefully received,

  7. Thank you, thank you Dr. Northrup for being the voice of sanity in a world gone mad.
    I am 54 and have been avoiding all the tests on the lists and practicing self care including supplements, healthy diet, exercise, meditation and loving relationships.
    I am unconcerned about my own expiration date and accept that as part of life. I focus on the here and now and finding as much joy and pleasure as I can every day.
    Thank you for being such and inspiration!!!!

    Blessings,
    Tynna Voigt-Wallen

    1. Jennifer
      3 years ago

      Amen !!! I’ve been preaching this for years.

  8. Susan Johnson
    3 years ago

    YES, ALL GOOD! and thank you, please speak more on detoxing pineal. tox

  9. Jean S.
    3 years ago

    Hi Dr. Northrup, As always your advice and information is right on. From the time I was born to through the age of 18, I went to the doctor twice. Once when I was 3 because the neighbor boy hit me over the head with a hammer and once at the age of 18 to be able to play on the high school volleyball team. Now days parents are hauling their kids to the doctor for every little thing. I too can’t wait for this evil “health care” system to completely be taken down. The amount of class action lawsuits from the jab will be sufficient enough to do the trick. I will be dancing in the streets when the creeps from the main stream media get arrested for treason (aiding and abetting the overthrow of our country). What a crazy world right now but amazing things are coming! Thank you again for such wonderful, sound advice! Blessings to you, Jean

    1. Sally Churgel
      3 years ago

      Hi Jean,

      I was wondering the same thing about the pineal gland and found this on this site: https://www.drnorthrup.com/why-you-should-detox-your-pineal-gland/

  10. Jim
    3 years ago

    Isn’t ascorbic acid synthetic vitamin C ?

  11. Dana Stewart
    3 years ago

    It’s so hard for me to do what I need to do. I have a condition where I cannot have vitamin c or dark leafy greens. I also cannot do weights because of a disc issue in my back. I am working with a homeopath on my gut, which needs work badly. There is much more I’m dealing with, but the point is that I do what I can with my conditions and allergies. But without being able to do all the things I know I should, I feel vulnerable and give in to the doctors more than I used to. I agree with all the things in the article, but when reading these types of things and knowing what I can and can’t do with my body, I feel very down. I wish there was a way to feel encouraged.

    1. Stephanie
      3 years ago

      Are you able to eat citrus fruits at all? Or even better – red bell peppers? Bell peppers have more vitamin c than citrus fruits – the red bell pepper has the highest amount. Feeling down is usually a sign of some deficiency. Try to turn that around in any way you can to boost your immune system – be well and best wishes.

  12. Joyce Ross
    3 years ago

    Thank you for so eloquently and honestly puting into words what I have thought and believed for many years. I am 75 yrs old, in good health and I so avoid the “routine” procedures highly recommend by my healthcare provider. I reject the fact that they want us to believe that because we are “mature” we should expect to have debilitating ailments. I will continue to follow my “non compliant patient” status and stay healthy, happy and strong!!!

  13. Amy Daidone
    3 years ago

    I love this, Dr. Northrup. Thank you for reinforcing what I believe to be core truths about health and wellness. I’ve been a devoted fan for decades.

  14. Helga
    3 years ago

    What about vaccination against Covid? I would like to know your opinion/s….

  15. Mary
    3 years ago

    What about the mandate of COVID vaccination at the moment? People losing employment…and even a social life (no dancing, no karaoke, possibly no fitness centres) because they won’t get the “jab”. To have basic liberties we HAVE TO or we become a segregated society. There seems to be no such thing as “pro-choice” because if you choose not to, you’re automatically “anti”

    1. Stephanie
      3 years ago

      Do not comply. This is a gene therapy experiment- not a vaccine. Social pressure is temporary- stand tall and rise up against this tyranny.

    2. Kim
      3 years ago

      Whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE IN, no matter what. The powers that be are trying to wear us down. Don’t let them. We are in a giant game of chicken right now and we have to hold the line. They are trying to see how much they can get away with. The only way to stop this madness is to fight back and not comply. And if you were to get the shot, there is no going back. You cannot undo it. So many people who got the shot (if they aren’t dead or already permanently harmed) are ticking time bombs because they have destroyed their immune systems or have a ton of micro clots that will eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.

  16. Brandy
    3 years ago

    I love you. Your wisdom is medicine to my soul!

  17. Anne
    3 years ago

    I agree but I need to have an IUD removed so have to see my pcp in January so I know I’m going to be told to get the mammogram and colonoscopy cos of my age. What do I do? Get a baseline? I haven’t seen my doc in 4 years so I’m now considered a new patient which I think is hilarious

  18. Mary McCullough
    3 years ago

    Prayer? Really? From a medical doctor? No vaccines either? That’s scary. Not sure how we survived measles, polio, etc. without vaccines.

    1. Stephanie
      3 years ago

      Vaccines are toxic – the biggest lie ever told was that vaccines saved us – polio was not a contagious illness- it was a diagnosis based on characteristics like paralysis etc – polio has many causes – it was originally from planes spraying orchards and farms with an insecticide called Paris Green that was created to paralyze insects. Polio was never eradicated- today it is called Guillain Barre – and the old iron lung is now called life support. The names were changed to skew the data. The number one cause of polio today is the polio vaccine.

    2. Chris
      3 years ago

      Read The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine by Dr. Larry Dossey. Yes, Really.

  19. Joan esclamado
    3 years ago

    I love this posting more than any other on the past 2 years. I have found truth in every word. I am very grateful. I have not had the greatest health on the last 15 years but I have changed in many ways and understand so much more because I have listened to doctors like yourself. The love goes right along with heath and prayers!!! Thank you Dr Northrup!!!

  20. Martha
    3 years ago

    My 88 year old mother says- if she’d had access to better medical care , she’s be dead( like most of her friends ) Long time avoider myself, and I keep an eye on my blood sugar and blood pressure , easily taken at home. When they aren’t in balance I adjust my lifestyle and take TCM formulas, plus Vit C, D , and a few more.

  21. Birit Trematore
    3 years ago

    This article gives me hope that I am not alone. I agree with everything you say 100% and it is so refreshing to hear this coming from an MD. The last time I went for a “yearly checkup”, I spent the majority of my time there telling the doctor that I didn’t want all the drugs she was trying to sell me – bone drugs, flu shot, shingles vaccine, etc., etc. And it was clear that she was really annoyed that I was not into taking what she was selling. And I know she thought I was ignorant for not doing so. Which just made me feel judged and worried that maybe I was wrong, even though intuitively I knew I was right.

    The upsetting thing is that I have no trusted medical human to turn to with questions. I wish I did!

    Thanks so much for posting this. Also, as someone else asked, can you comment further on pineal detox? I have no idea what you mean by that. Thanks again!

  22. Marilyn
    3 years ago

    You are so full of wisdom Dr. Northrup
    This is perfect and so inspirational, thank you for giving us the truth and caring about our health!
    We love you
    Marilyn Caduri

  23. Marilyn
    3 years ago

    You are so full f wisdom Dr. Northrup
    This is perfect and so inspirational, thank you for giving us the truth and caring about our health!
    We love you
    Marilyn Caduri

  24. DeAnna
    3 years ago

    I agree with you That’s what I do

  25. Cheree
    3 years ago

    What great advice, I love it! Thank you so much, Christiane, for your common sense approach to health. Mainstream society has abandoned common sense during the last two years.

  26. Leanna Broom
    3 years ago

    Another wonderful article Dr Northrup – Thank you and I agree wholeheartedly and appreciate all that you do for others.

  27. Carol Hosmer
    3 years ago

    Thank you for this. You are validating my belief system. I haven’t had a mammogram for 20 years nor a colonoscopy for 15. I trust my body to tell me when it needs something. I have proactive health habits – massages, exercise, positive thought processes. I also have to fight with my dentist not to irradiate me with xrays. If you are in tune with your body it will send you messages when something needs to be done.

  28. Teresa Lynch
    3 years ago

    Thank you! I have felt what you have said in words. This blog is a keeper and I will share it!

    You go girl!

  29. Carolyn J McDonald
    3 years ago

    This is really nice but for some of us with the genetic disposition, that regular colonoscopy is important. I just lost my 2nd sister to colon cancer the day before Thanksgiving.

  30. Judy B Anderson
    3 years ago

    LOVE this!! Thank you!

  31. Lori Raymond
    3 years ago

    Bless you and thank you! I have been following your work and suggestions for many years. Thank you for this helpful article and for sharing it with us all! Trusting our bodies natural ability to heal and thrive with the right medicine!

  32. Sabrina
    3 years ago

    Excellent!! I am a Registered Nurse and I have intuitively felt this way but was uncomfortable expressing it! You are an amazing Doctor and I thank you for all you have done for womens health and awareness!

  33. Darlene Flood
    3 years ago

    My health plan for the previous 20 years and the next 20 years. Exactly as you described.

  34. Darlene Flood
    3 years ago

    My plan for the last 20 years and 20 years forward.
    Thank you, Dr. Northrup.

  35. Kathleen McCorkel
    3 years ago

    Really enjoyed reading this ! Thank you Dr. N for your perspectives. Best Regards .

  36. Denise
    3 years ago

    LOVE this! Nearly the exact approaches we take in our home! Regular meditation and consistent self care are also on our list. Our daughters are now teenagers, but I began to smell a rat years ago, and dove more deeply into natural health and gravitated away from the societal “norm”. (Though I have been gravitating away from such programming my whole life, in stages!) We stopped bringing them in for so-called “well-visits” pretty early on, and we’re grateful to have woken up to the realities around general “v.acc.ina.tion”, ending that nonsense early as well. Looking forward as humanitarians like yourself help facilitate a new & imoroved health system as we look to the future and establish a parallel society until this old bs finally crumbles.
    *Agree with the previous comment too – that more insights specific to the Pineal Gland are welcome! Thank you for keeping it real, Dr. Northrup!!!

  37. Michelle Akda
    3 years ago

    Love this article so very much! I believe all of this. I take my health and wellness very seriously and I implement all of these protocols you have outlined here! Thank you for all you do in standing up for women’s health and HUMAN RIGHTS! I am sooo darn proud of you Dr. Northrop, you’re a true hero to me! Side note: Just started some peri-menopausal symptoms and I just ordered your Amata supplements. Can’t wait to get them and give a glowing report!

  38. Nancy J Rondeau
    3 years ago

    Love your recommedations and agree with all of them. I have been doing yoga since my twenties and now 73 and prayer and faith got me through some tough times a few years ago. There is definitely healing power in prayer. Thank you for reafirming what I already believed in and am doing.

  39. Vitamin_Dee
    3 years ago

    This is invaluable. Thank you for your prescription for wisdom. You are unwavering and an inspiration for all of us. Now time for me to fill this prescription!

  40. Andrea
    3 years ago

    Excellent article! I too am curious about how to do a pineal gland detox. I know someone else commented as well. Thanks for your wisdom and care for the feminine body!!

  41. Kim
    3 years ago

    Thank you Christiane,

    All your information resonates with me completely. Thank God for you!

  42. Barbara
    3 years ago

    Thank you so much for sharing what I’ve intuitively known. Our bodies are miraculous and is a servant to our thoughts!

  43. Karen Schlachter
    3 years ago

    I agree with you completely! Thank you! May I also suggest a regular Qigong practice. It helps to welcome joy back into your life. Qigong is sacred and profound and super healthy too.

  44. Lynda
    3 years ago

    Thank you, Christine.
    I agree 100%. I take another step. When I do need to seek treatment or an assessment I do not think of myself as a “patient.” I am a client who needs the input of a service provider who has more knowledge than I about a set of symptoms that I need to address.

    Could you comment further on a pineal detox? How does one do that?

    1. Lynn
      3 years ago

      Following… Interested in the pineal detox as well.

    2. Sharon
      3 years ago

      I don’t think some of this should be an either or, but could be an and/both.

  45. Suzanne
    3 years ago

    My health plan is what it has been for many years as well. Yoga, excellent healthy foods, massage, good supplements, prayer and meditation, good community with like minded people, walking, and no news! Thank you for all you do, your practice and messages are amazing.

  46. Barb
    3 years ago

    Wow!! I really needed to hear this today! Thank you so much for voicing what I’ve always believed but was afraid to adhere to!

    Seriously
    Thank you
    Barb

  47. Catherine Geraats
    3 years ago

    I couldn’t agree more. I’m Canadian and our Medical System is also incentivized to keep us sick so that we succumb to their 2 options – surgery or drugs.

    Since being advised to have a Total Thyroidectomy in 2008, I realized through research after the fact, that my issue was gluten. When I convinced my doctors to test for this, it turned out I was Celiac. Now I am on pills for the rest of my life with no thyroid.

    Every issue is drugs, surgery or invasive procedures. Diet is always discounted even though many peer reviewed studies point to it often helping if not curing the issue.

    I have realized Doctors are human and there are A+ doctors and there are C- doctors. The difference is if they keep up with the latest developments, if they actually care about their patients and if they remain curious and questioning. Doctors do not help you when they swallow the established Medical protocols at the time of their graduation and then don’t keep up with current knowledge.

    Thank you for all that you do including educating the public and telling it straight. Your common sense, reasoning, compassion and genuine concern combined with your extensive education and real world medical experience is rare. I am most grateful that you are willing to stick your neck out and tell the truth.

  48. Pauline Yeats
    3 years ago

    Gratitude, Christiane, for this wisdom. These recommendations have been my general MO for the past 30 years, since by “accident” I found a holistic MD. Apart from a bout of tick borne Lyme’s, which I healed holistically, I have never since sustained an illness.

    But the terror assault of the past 18 months shook my confidence in my own mind/body’s ability to keep me healthy. Feeling torn and desperate, I was on the verge of vaccination.

    Having discovered you six years ago through the magnificent Jean Houston, I turned to your website. There I re-found my strength, trust in my own compass, and confidence in my body. On your advice, I upped vitamins/supplements including Quercetin, and have surpassed my former vibrant energy, health and well being.

    Where would we be without the courage and integrity of voices like Christiane Northrup against this global assault of a criminal Pharma/Corporate/Medicine/Financial cartel out of control? Stay strong!!!

    Much love and gratitude,
    Pauline Yeats

  49. Gloria Childs
    3 years ago

    This is amazing I have felt this way for many years. I’ve read many of Christiane Northrup’s books and I value her opinion and this is a great plan for staying healthy.

  50. Donna
    3 years ago

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Northrup. I have been keeping track of your site for some time now and especially since moving in with my family. There are eight of us currently, living under one roof but on a few acres of gorgeous country property. Wildlife, fresher air, swimming pool and soccer turf, and playground and zipline, plus a few more, all contribute to the “no excuses” of staying balanced and pretty healthy. I had not fully understood the “living style” of my family, as I had lost my hubby several years ago, I became just an old lady, one day at a time, not really inspired much and kinda doing nothin, all alone but not lonely. The energy here is wonderfully giftful….not a word, but, my word for today.

    I LOVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND IT’S RESPONSIBILITIES OF TAKING CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN, AND THAT IS THE LOVELINESS OF EACH DAY. MY YOGA INSTRUCTOR USED TO SAY…’CREATE A NICE DAY’ AND NOW, MY DAUGHTER-IN-LOVE SHOWS ME WHEN SHE ENJOYS HER PILATES. We are here in this home living with experiences I had never dreamed of. Ranging from eight years old to seventy-five. Still learning, this old broad here. Thank YOU ever so much, always love reading your helpful caring words. 🙂

  51. Terry Herbig
    3 years ago

    I love this. I do not do screenings as always suggested by my doctor. I dont get a flu shot.

  52. Cheryl
    3 years ago

    It must be great to afford weekly massages and be able to take Pilates classes $40 a class here. Do you have any suggestions for the blue collar worker?

  53. Rosemarie Bockman
    3 years ago

    Dr. Northrup, you have been my hero all these years. Thank you for all you do, to give Me, great inspiration and medical advice. God bless you and your family!!!!! Rosemarie Brockman ❤️

  54. Jackie
    3 years ago

    Hi Doc, my name is Jackie. I want to thank u for your gracious help and your ideas are so on the path self protection and honesty! It’s so refreshing having a honest caring MD tell the public the truth with no deception. Your on it thank God!

  55. MN.
    3 years ago

    Thank you Dr. Northrup for your wonderful Health Options. I follow similar steps and advise others around me that are open to the newer Health care path or Enlightened Care. I call it Deposits into our “Health Bank” as the Body and Organs “remember”, Any Love given.

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