An Ounce of Prevention
A majority of Americans in the prime of their lives assume there will be plenty of time in the future to worry about serious illness. For many, that time may not come. The knowledge that one of the silent killers could surface at any moment is not enough to make significant lifestyle changes or to make health screenings a habit. Illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoporosis are a few examples. As individuals grow older, their bodies change and become more vulnerable to illness and disease. The best way to treat a disease is to prevent it. For some, they don’t take a proactive look at their life until one day, if they are lucky, they get what many health professionals call a ‘teachable moment,’ a time when a person is ready to listen, to learn and to take action. Often that moment comes when your doctor gives you the scary diagnosis. If Americans took the time to schedule routine screenings and exams, to educate themselves on risk factors associated with illnesses and, to focus on reduction of high risk factors, many illness would be significantly prevented or postponed. Please consult with your primary care physician about all screenings and immunizations. Together you and your care provider can outline a plan that is unique to you and your specific needs.
Routine Tests for Your Health
For Men and Women:
| SCREENING | WHEN TO START | WHY | HOW OFTEN | REASONS FOR EARLIER SCREENING |
| Wellness visit +Body Mass Index (BMI) | Annually | Focus on your physical, emotional and mental health. | Annually | |
| Blood Pressure | At minimum – annually | High blood pressure is a silent killer. To protect from stroke, heart attack, and liver, kidney and eye damage. | Regularly | If you are overweight, have diabetes or a family history of high blood pressure have it checked often. |
| Skin Exam | Age 20-40 | Change in appearance of moles can signal skin cancer. A rough spot or area of bleeding can also signal skin cancer. | Every 3 years, Annually after 40 | Pain, itchiness or bleeding. |
| Colonoscopy | Age 45 | Removing polyps can help prevent colon cancer. | Every 5 – 10 years | Family history, bowel disease or change in bowel movements. |
| Osteoporosis (DXA Scan) | Age 50 | Early detection can help prevent excessive bone loss. | Every 3 – 5 years | Family history of osteoporosis. |
| Cholesterol | May begin as early at 18 | Regular screenings for men over 35, and women over 45 who are at risk for heart disease. | Regular | Family history or heart disease or other risk factors |
| Lipid Disorder | Age 35 in men; Age 45 in women | Early detection of heart disease can be lifesaving. | Every 1 – 3 years | Family history of coronary heart disease or those with increase risk of heart disease. |
| Diabetes | Age 40 – 45 | Early detection can help prevent heart and kidney disease. | Every 3 years | Excessive urination, thirst or blurry vision. |
| Eye Examination | Age 40-45: every 2-4 years. Age 55-64: every 1-3 years | Early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts. | Every two years; every year after age 65 | A family history of eye disease, or diabetics should have an exam every year regardless of age. |
| Infectious Disease Screenings | During child bearing years | Sexually active individuals should be tested for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea | Per the discretion of your primary care provider | Risky behaviors and/or multiple partners |
| Thyroid | Age 35 – 40 | Hypo- or hyperactive thyroid can lead to health problems. | At least every 3 – 5 years | Weight gain or loss, dry skin, depression or hair loss. |
| Hearing Assessment | When symptomatic |
Specifically for Women:
| SCREENING | WHEN TO START | WHY | HOW OFTEN | REASONS FOR EARLIER SCREENING |
| Mammogram | Age 40 | Early detection of breast cancer can be lifesaving | Every 1-2 years; annually after age 50 | Strong family history or if you discover a lump or discharge. |
| PAP | Within 3 years of onset of sexual activity or age 21 | Early detection of cervical cancer can be lifesaving | At least every 3 years | Strong family history of cervical or uterine cancer. |
Specifically for Men:
| SCREENING | WHEN TO START | WHY | HOW OFTEN | REASONS FOR EARLIER SCREENING |
| Prostate Screening (PSA) | Age 50 | Early detection of prostate cancer can be lifesaving | annually after age 50 | Family history of prostate cancer. |
Immunizations
| Vaccination | Frequency |
| Infuenza | annually |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) | 1 dose; Td booster every 10 years |
| Pneumoccoccal | PVV13 1 does given first; PVSV23 1, 2 or 3 doses if indicated |
| Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) | 1-2 doses recommended for adults who meet the age requirement, lack documentation of vaccination, or lack evidence of past infection |
| Meningococcal (Meningitis) | 1 or more doses if not previously immunized, depending on risk factors and other indicators; 10 or more doses depending on immunity or past vaccinations |
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) | 2 doses 4-8 weeks apart without evidence of immunity |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | after the age of 60 |
| HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) | 3 doses if not previously immunized |
| Hepatitis A | 2 or 3 doses if not previously immunized when requested, or at risk |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses if not previously immunized |
| Haemophilus Influenza type B | 1 dose for patients with asplenia, or sickle cell anemia; 3 doses for patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant History (HSCT) |