One of the simplest and most important things you can do to stay healthy is stay up to date with
recommended preventive care exams and tests. Identifying potential health care issues before they
become major concerns will save you not only in unnecessary illness, but in lost time that you could
spend doing more enjoyable things. The first step to getting and staying on track with your exams is
to establish care with a primary healthcare provider who you are comfortable with. Together you can
develop your own personal guide to better health.
Keep in mind that the tests listed below are designed to serve as a guide to your health and are
recommended for the average-risk person. If you have any questions about these tests and if they
are appropriate for you, consult your provider. If you have a strong family history or other conditions
that may put you at an increased risk for some disease, your provider may recommend these exams earlier
or more frequently.
Periodic (Regular) Health Examination
Adults, ages 18-39 years should have a periodic health examination every 3-5 years
and every 1-2 years for adults 40 or older.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure should be measured at least once every two years for all adults, but
generally one is taken at each clinic visit.
Cholesterol
All adults, starting at age 20, should have a fasting cholesterol test assessing
all the components of cholesterol every five years.
Fasting Blood Sugar
To screen for diabetes, adults age 18-44 years that have a Body Mass Index over 25, should have a fasting
blood sugar measured every three years. All adults age 45 and over should have fasting blood sugar measured every three years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
A complete colonoscopy should be done every 10 years for those age 50 years and older. Yearly stool
samples are also an acceptable alternative. A Cologuard test every 3 years is also acceptable.
Chlamydia Screen
Women age 18-25 should have a chlamydia and screening test every year. Discuss a gonorrhea screening with your provider.
Pap Smear
Women age 21 and older should have a yearly Pap smear every 5 years, assuming co-testing for the human papilloma virus is also done. If not, screening with a pap smear should be done every 3 years.
Mammography
Women age 40 and older are encouraged to discuss mammography screening with their provider to determine frequency of mammograms. Screening is usually yearly or every other year for most women.
Hepatitis C
This infection in the liver is becoming more of a concern, especially among adults born before 1965, but since it causes few symptoms most don't know they have it. Adults over age 50 should receive a one-time screen, regardless of risk factors. Any adult receiving a blood transfusion before 1992, an unregulated tattoo, having dialysis or using IV drugs should be tested annually.
Bone Mineral Density
Women age 65 and older should have a bone mineral density measurement at least once.
Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis
A series of combined tetanus diphtheria pertussis vaccinations should be given to all
adults who have not received the primary series. All adults should receive a booster at least
every 10 years. Adults under age 65 should receive one single dose booster with a pertussis
component (Tdap) and tetanus diphtheria (Td) thereafter.
Influenza
Influenza vaccine (flu shots) should be administered yearly to all adults age 18 and older.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia vaccination (called the pneumococcal vaccine or pneumovax) should be provided twice, the second shot 1 year after the first, to people age 65 and older and those with medical conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia.
Zoster (Shingles)
Even if you've had the chickenpox, you should be vaccinated for the shingles. In older adults
shingles can cause a very painful rash and can be quite serious. This vaccine is similar to the chickenpox
vaccine given to young children. Adults over age 50 should receive this two-part vaccine to prevent the re-occurrence of herpes zoster.
Many people put off having these tests because they are concerned about the outcome. Remember that not
knowing if you have a disease does not make the disease go away. Usually, if you catch the disease
in this early stage, it may be immediately treated and may reduce the risk of developing into a serious
illness.
For more information on preventive care exams and tests:
