Even if feeling fine, it s important to have regular check-ups with a health care provider. These visits may help prevent future problems. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. High blood sugar and high cholesterol levels also may not have symptoms in the early stages. Simple blood tests can check for these conditions.
Regular Check-ups Get check-ups even when you re feeling healthy Screen for medical issues Assess your risk of future medical problems Encourage a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Help you get to know your doctor in case of an illness
Health Screening 18+ Blood Pressure Screening Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless the systolic number is between 120-139 or the diastolic number is between 80-89 mm Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year. If the top number is greater than 140, or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule a doctor s appointment. Cholesterol Screening Men over the age of 34 should be checked every 5 years. If you have risk factors of heart disease, such as diabetes, start getting screened earlier, at age 20. If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often. Some men should consider taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Ask your doctor before you start aspirin because aspirin can increase risk of bleeding. Diabetes Screening If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 and have other risk factors for diabetes, you should be screened. If you are over age 45, you should be screened every 3 years. Dental Exam Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
Health Screening 18-39 Eye Exam If you have vision problem, have an eye exam about every 2 years. Immunizations After age 19, you should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus vaccine. After that, a tetanus booster is necessary every 10 years. Get a yearly flu shot. If you were born after 1980 and never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine, you should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Infectious Disease Screening Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be screened for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV, as well as other infections. Physical Exam You should see your doctor for preventative health exams every 2 years. Healthy young people usually do not need blood tests. Your height, weight, and BMI should be checked at every exam. During the exam, your doctor may ask about: depression, diet and exercise, alcohol and drug use, and safety, such as use of seat belts and smoke detectors
Health Screening 40-64 Eye Exam Schedule an eye exam every 1-3 years if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk. Colon Cancer Screening If you are under the age 50, you should be screened only if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps. If you are between the ages 50-75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. This may involve: a stool test done every year, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5-10 years, and a colonoscopy every 10 years. Immunizations Get a yearly flu shot. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years. After age 60, you may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccination. Osteoporosis Screening If you are between ages 50-70 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should discuss screening with doctor. Risk factors can include long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a family history of osteoporosis
Health Screening 40-64 (cont d) Prostate Cancer Screening Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their doctor. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45. Lung Cancer Screening The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55-80 years who: Have a 30 pack-year smoking history AND Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years Physical Exam You should see your doctor for preventative health exams every 2 years until age 50, and then once a year. Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended. Your height, weight and BMI should be check at every exam. During the exam, your doctor may ask about: depression, diet and exercise, alcohol and drug use, and safety, such as use of seat belts and smoke detectors
Sources American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org American Diabetes Association; www.diabetes.org National Institute of Health; www.nlm.nih.gov