Yvonne Fischer hadn’t been for a physical in years and couldn’t really recall her last one.
“I never get sick. Everyone around me gets the flu or other things and I’m the one taking care of them,” says Yvonne, an Aetna Business Analyst, proud mother of four and grandmother to 21.
But when the company introduced a new preventive care initiative focused on how a small checkup can have a big impact, Yvonne heeded the call and scheduled a screening. As CVS Health President and CEO David Joyner shared with colleagues at a Company Town Hall this year, we are the leading health solutions company, and we must set an example by making our own health a priority: “If we’re building this idea that preventive care leads to lower costs and better outcomes, then we’ve got to do it ourselves,” he said.
Yvonne reports that the checkup was quick and easy — but the test results changed her life. They revealed high cholesterol, Stage 3 kidney disease and a blocked artery that without rapid treatment could lead to a massive, even fatal, heart attack.
“I was shocked. I had no symptoms and wasn’t feeling ill. I’ve always been active,” Yvonne says.
‘I’m doing what the doctors tell me.’
Though Yvonne scheduled the checkup to avoid a Preventive Care Surcharge, it paid off in more ways than one. Today, she’s taking better care of herself than ever before. She’s given up her beloved cola drinks and fast-food burgers. She’s trading red meat for chicken and adding more fruits and vegetables to her plate. She’s working with specialists, including a cardiologist, to pinpoint the next best course of action.
“The one thing I fear most is leaving my kids with a heartache, a surprise. I want to be responsible,” Yvonne says. “If I hadn’t gone to this wellness appointment, I don’t know what would have happened. I encourage everyone to get checked.”
Small checkup, big impact
Yvonne’s experience is a testament to the life-saving power of preventive care. And she’s not alone: Over the last several months, colleagues have shared how these visits uncovered serious, often silent conditions — from chronic illnesses to high-risk cardiovascular issues — that required immediate attention and changed, or even saved, their lives.
If you haven't already, schedule your annual visit today. With expert support and flexible no-cost options like MinuteClinic wellness exams, you can take charge of your health. A wellness visit is your opportunity for early detection, timely treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Preventive care can add years to your life — and life to your years.
