Routine wellness screenings are preventive measures designed to catch health issues early when they're most treatable. The specific screenings can vary based on age, sex, family history, and risk factors, but here’s a general overview of recommended routine screenings for adults:
Annual screenings are crucial for maintaining good health because they allow for the early detection of potential health issues, often before symptoms appear. This early detection enables timely intervention, potentially leading to more effective treatment and better health outcomes. Regular screenings also help manage chronic conditions and can be a part of a healthy lifestyle by identifying risk factors and guiding necessary lifestyle changes.
General Wellness Screenings (All Adults)
- Blood Pressure:
Every 1–2 years (annually if elevated or over age 40). - Cholesterol & Lipid Panel:
Every 4–6 years for adults 20+; more often if at risk. - Blood Glucose / A1C (Diabetes):
Every 3 years starting at age 35; earlier if overweight or at risk. - Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Circumference:
Annually; part of routine physical. - Body composition - skinfold measurement calipers, DEXA scan, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
- Skin Check (for skin cancer):
Annually or as advised if at high risk. - Mental Health Screening:
Screen for depression and anxiety during wellness visits. - Vision Exam:
Every 2–4 years if under 40, every 1–3 years if over 40. - Dental Exam & Cleaning:
Every 6–12 months.
Women’s Health Screenings
- Pap Smear & HPV Testing (Cervical Cancer):
Ages 21–29: Pap every 3 years
Ages 30–65: Pap + HPV every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a common virus that can cause certain cancers and genital warts. It's most effective when given to adolescents before they are exposed to the virus, typically at ages 11 or 12, but can be given as early as 9 and up to age 26, and potentially up to age 45 after discussion with a healthcare provider. The vaccine is not a treatment for existing HPV infections or cancers, but it can prevent future infections. - Mammogram (Breast Cancer):
Starting at age 40, every 1–2 years (earlier if family history) - Bone Density Scan (Osteoporosis):
Starting at age 65; earlier if postmenopausal and high risk - Pelvic Exam:
Annually or as advised, even if Pap not needed every year
Men’s Health Screenings
- Prostate Cancer (PSA Blood Test):
Discuss with provider starting around age 50 (age 45 if African American or family history) - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA):
One-time ultrasound for men 65–75 who have ever smoked
Age-Specific or Risk-Based Screenings
- Colorectal Cancer (everyone age 45+):
Colonoscopy every 10 years or other options (FIT, sigmoidoscopy) - Hepatitis B & C Screening:
Once for all adults (especially if born 1945–1965 or at risk) - HIV Screening: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once.
- Lung Cancer (Low-Dose CT Scan):
Annually for adults 50–80 with 20+ pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit in the past 15 years
What questions to ask
- Any symptoms you are experiencing
- Establish your baseline
Dr Hyman - 160+ lab tests screening $499 Function Health
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For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media:
Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach
https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1
Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach
https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy
FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1
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