Preventive health screenings can detect disease in the early stages when it is treatable.
You know your body better than anyone else. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any changes in your health, including vision and hearing. Ask about being checked for any condition not just the ones listed here. Click here for a quick guide to important screenings for women.
Ask your health care team whether a mammogram is right for you based on your age, family history, overall health, and personal concerns.
Have a screening test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier. Several different tests can detect this cancer. Your health care team can help you decide which is best for you.
Have a PAP smear every one to three years if you are 21 to 65 years old and have been sexually active. If you are older than 65 and recent PAP smears were normal, you do not need a PAP smear. If you have had a hysterectomy for a reason other than cancer, you do not need a PAP smear.
Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Talk to your healthcare team about being screened for depression, especially if during the last two weeks:
Get screened for diabetes type 1 or type 2 if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medication for high blood pressure. Diabetes type 1 or type 2 (high blood sugar) can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts.
Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure.
Starting at age 20, have your cholesterol checked regularly if:
Talk with your health care team about HIV screening if any of these apply to you:
Have a screening test at age 65 to make sure your bones are strong. If you are younger than 65, talk to your health care team about whether you should be tested.
The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index (BMI). You can find your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator, such as the one available at: nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
A BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a normal weight. Persons with a BMI of 30 or higher may be obese. If you are obese, talk to your doctor or nurse about seeking intensive counseling and changing your behaviors to lose weight. Overweight and obesity can lead to diabetes type 1 or type 2 and cardiovascular disease.
Sexually transmitted diseases can make it hard to get pregnant, may affect your baby, and can cause other health problems. Have a screening test for Chlamydia if you are 24 or younger and sexually active. If you are older than 24, talk to your health care team about being screened for Chlamydia. Ask your doctor or nurse whether you should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases.
Take Preventive Medicines If You Need Them
If you are 55 or older, ask your health care team if you should take aspirin to prevent strokes.
If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should take medicines to prevent breast cancer.
Do not use estrogen to prevent heart disease or other diseases. If you need relief from symptoms of menopause, talk with your healthcare team.
Be physically active and make healthy food choices. Talk to your doctor or learn more at www.healthfinder.gov/prevention
Balance the calories you take in from food and drink with the calories you burn off by your activities. Talk to your doctor about weight loss and good nutrition.
Talk with your healthcare team about whether you need vaccinations
For tips on how to quit, go to www.smokefree.gov. To talk to someone about how to quit, call the National Quitline: 1-800- QUITNOW (784-8669). If you drink alcohol, have no more than one drink per day. A standard drink is one 12- ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5- ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
This information is based on research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality www.ahrq.gov