Health-related goals always top resolution lists because everyone wants to live a happier, healthier lifestyle. Normal healthy habit resolutions include exercising more and eating right, but a very important task on your to-do list should be scheduling an annual skin check.

Yes, a doctor’s visit may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! To make sure you get the most out of your visit, here are some tips you can do to make sure nothing gets overlooked:

–       Remove nail polish on fingers and toes. Skin cancer can also develop in your nailbeds, so it’s important to expose them for your dermatologist to check.

–       Perform your own skin check and make a list of any changes in your skin.

–       Double-check your moles and freckles. Make note of changes in size, shape or color.

Skin cancer is the most preventable type of cancer. While you’re taking preventative steps to avoid heart disease, diabetes and other health-related diseases, adding steps to prevent skin cancer is crucial for an overall healthy lifestyle. Some proactive and easy ways to achieve skin health are to monitor your sun exposure, wear sunscreen every day and drink lots of water. If you are more susceptible to skin cancer, it’s important to perform a self-scan of your skin at least once a month. Healthy skin is a lifelong goal and requires regular attention. Make this a year of great strides in continuing to pamper and care for one of the most important parts of your body!