When and Why Adults Should Schedule Health Screenings

Health care screenings are an important first step in recognizing and treating illnesses in adult men and women. From blood pressure checks to skin cancer examinations, these routine appointments are a highly recommended preventive measure for everyone. You should be visiting a primary care doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy.

Prevention is the Key to a Healthy Life

Well visits and annual physical exams are health care’s way of staying ahead of the curve. Your doctor or physician will perform routine tests that can detect illnesses early when they are easier to treat.

When you visit your community health center, your doctor will:

• Schedule tests for common ailments and cancers
• Assess risk factors for future medical problems
• Give helpful hints for a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations

Health screenings help you and your doctor recognize and anticipate medical issues. The earlier a health issue is found, the less chance there is of it developing into a serious problem.

Recommended Health Screenings for Women and Men

Adults should receive regular health screenings to detect illnesses even before noticeable symptoms are present. From cholesterol to diabetes, learn what tests are recommended to receive at different stages of your life.

Ages 18-39

Blood Pressure Test

Every two years, all adults should have a blood pressure test to screen for irregularities, like elevated, high or low blood pressure, which can be risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol Test

Since high cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms, a cholesterol test is used to determine your risk of the buildup of plaques in your arteries, which can narrow or block these blood vessels.

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes is another illness many people have and do not even realize it. Screenings for diabetes and type 2 diabetes can provide an early diagnosis, which is essential to proper treatment.

Dental Exam

It’s highly recommended that adults get a dental exam twice a year. In addition to a cleaning, a dentist will evaluate your oral health, including risk of tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health issues.

Vision

Adult men and women benefit from having a vision screening every year. This simple exam can help to detect warning signs that could indicate potential eyesight problems, like glaucoma.

Immunizations

Regardless of age, vaccinations are an effective form of preventive medicine. They can protect you against both common and deadly illnesses, including:

• Flu
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Tetanus and diphtheria

Physical Exam

Throughout life, everyone should have an annual physical exam. At these appointments, your doctor will examine your total body health, including early evaluations for heart disease and cancer.

Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings

Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have regular cervical cancer screenings. Annual breast cancer screenings are recommended to begin at age 40, unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer screenings are an optional test that you may want to consider if you have:

• Family members have had melanoma
• Noticed unusual moles
• Had sunburns, especially ones that caused blisters
• Used tanning beds

Ages 40 and Above

Colorectal Cancer Screening

A colorectal cancer screening can detect this disease before you have any symptoms. These exams typically begin at age 50 and continue at regular intervals.

Osteoporosis Screening

Adult women over the age of 65 should receive a screening for osteoporosis, which now affects almost 44 million Americans.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screenings should be discussed with your health care provider after age 50.

Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screenings are good to have if you have certain risk factors, such as a history of smoking. A scan of the lungs can detect cancer at an early stage when it is highly treatable.

Regular health screenings are recommended for adult men and women of all ages, because these medical visits aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ailments that might otherwise go unrecognized.

Advantage Care Health Centers specializes in delivering comprehensive primary health care services. We provide our patients with improved access, coordinated care and enhanced patient/family involvement.

If you would like to schedule a health care screening, please contact us today.