The Importance of Yearly Health Screenings

Sometimes we dread going to the doctor, especially if we feel fine. Usually people only feel the need to see their doctors if they feel sick or something feels wrong. Therefore, we put off doctor’s visits and check-ups if we feel healthy. However, these days, preventative healthcare is becoming more common and encouraged. A yearly check-up at your doctor’s office can potentially prevent the development of serious diseases and allow you to develop a close relationship with your physician. A yearly visit to your physician can also detect potentially dangerous diseases early and limit the risk of complications from these diseases.
What should I be screened for?
Any physical examination at the doctor will check for a lot of the same things. Weight, blood pressure and maybe even routine glucose measurements will be taken to ensure they are within normal ranges. As we age however, different health issues may become more prominent, and that’s why important that we visit the doctor regularly throughout our lives to ensure that we are taking precautions for the diseases we may be at most risk for.
Men ages 18-39 need the following:
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings starting between 20 and 35. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Men who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual testicular exam performed by a physician
Women ages 18-39 need the following:
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings starting between 20 and 35. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Women who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual pelvic exam and pap smear
• Annual skin exam
• Annual breast self-exam unless you have a family history of breast cancer—then annual mammogram screenings should begin earlier
Men ages 40 to 64 need the following:
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings starting between 20 and 35. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Men who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual testicular exam performed by a physician
• Annual screening for colon cancer like a stool test, fecal blood test, or a colonoscopy every 10 years—more often if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or a history of colon polyps.
• Annual screening for osteoporosis
• Annual prostate cancer screening performed by a physician
• Annual lung cancer screening
Women ages 40 to 64 need the following:
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Women who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual screening for colon cancer like a stool test, fecal blood test, or a colonoscopy every 10 years—more often if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or a history of colon polyps.
• Annual screening for osteoporosis and an annual bone density tests for women over 50
• Annual lung cancer screening
Men 65 and older need the following:
• Aortic aneurysm screening, especially if you have smoked tobacco in the past
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings starting between 20 and 35. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Men who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual testicular exam performed by a physician
• Annual screening for colon cancer like a stool test, fecal blood test, or a colonoscopy every 10 years—more often if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or a history of colon polyps.
• Annual screening for osteoporosis
• Annual prostate cancer screening performed by a physician
• Annual lung cancer screening
• Annual hearing test
Women 65 and older need the following:
• Blood pressure screening at least once every two years. If the reading is high (above 120/80 mm/hg) then it needs to be checked yearly.
• Cholesterol screenings. If readings come back normal, the test does not need to be repeated for another 5 years. Women who receive abnormal results may need to be checked more often.
• Annual diabetes or glucose screenings.
• Annual dental exams and cleanings
• Biannual eye exams if you have regular vision, and annually if you have diabetes
• Annual immunizations like the flu shot or any other vaccines your physician recommends, like HPV or TDAP
• Annual infectious disease and STD/STI screening
• Annual mental health exam like a depression questionnaire and questions about your diet and exercise habits
• Annual screening for colon cancer like a stool test, fecal blood test, or a colonoscopy every 10 years—more often if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or a history of colon polyps
• Annual screening for osteoporosis and an annual bone density test
• Annual lung cancer screening
Prevention and early detection is key for these annual screenings. Catching a symptom or a condition early is one of the best ways to ensure that it is treated appropriately and may even prevent future health issues in the future.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.