Regular preventative health screenings are a crucial aspect of maintaining your overall welfare. By scheduling an annual visit with your primary care physician, you establish baselines for key health indicators like body composition, bloodwork, and lifestyle changes. These screenings not only help guide you toward a healthier lifestyle but also aid in early detection and prevention of diseases and illnesses.
Preventative care visits extend beyond medical health and should include regular dental and vision checkups to ensure optimal gum and eye health. Prior to scheduling any screenings, check with your insurance provider to understand the costs covered. Additionally, meet with your primary care physician for personalized guidance on the appropriate screenings to maintain a long and healthy life.
Recommended screenings may change as you age. Accordingly, it is essential that you reference a screening age and frequency chart to determine when to begin specific tests and procedures. However, based on your family history and genetic predisposition, you may want to be proactive and advocate for early screenings.
| Adult Wellness Screenings | |
| Screening | Frequency |
| Physical | Annual visits that should include blood pressure screenings, bloodwork, and mental health discussions |
| Cholesterol | Ideally checked annually along with your physical bloodwork |
| Immunizations | · Stay up to date with all required immunizations/vaccines |
| Dental screenings | · Annually or every six months
· Pregnancy and other medical conditions may require more frequent screenings · Visit should include cleanings and imaging |
| Breast cancer screening | Annually or biannually beginning at age 40 or based on risk factors |
| Cervical cancer screening | Every three years beginning at age 21 |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Annually beginning at age 50 |
| Prostate screening | Annually or biannually starting at:
· Age 50 for men who are at an average risk · Age 45 for men at a high risk · Age 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age |
| Other screenings | Family history of illnesses: annually for certain cancers, diseases, heart conditions and diabetes
Fall prevention: annually for those 65 and older or those residing in assisted living communities Vision testing: annually and/or if affected by other illness or medication |
| Child Wellness Screenings | |
| Screening | Frequency |
| Physical | Annual visits that should include blood pressure screenings, bloodwork, height and weight |
| Immunizations | · Stay up to date with all required immunizations/vaccines |
| Dental screening | · Twice a year (every six months)
· Visit should include cleaning, fluoride treatment and oral health screening |
| Depression screening | · The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for all children ages 12 and older
· This may be done as part of an annual physical |
| Developmental and behavioral assessment | Annually from infancy up to age 17 |
Embrace preventative health measures, as they play an integral role in safeguarding your well-being.
by Davon Randolph
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