Health Screening Services

Identifying illnesses early, when they are more easily treated, is key to healthy living. While going to the doctor is something we tend to do when we’re sick, an annual exam when you’re feeling well — along with routine health screenings — can go a long way in catching problems before they start.

Yearly Well Checks

No matter how healthy you are. seeing your primary care physician for a wellness visit is important . Your doctor can get to know you over time and help you avoid potential health issues. Yearly visits also give your doctor the opportunity to see and interact with you in person to assess your physical and cognitive well-being.

Well checks are a good idea for everyone. But they’re particularly important if you have a chronic disease or a family history of one. Based on your health history, gender, age, risk factors and lifestyle, your doctor will customize your visit. Most exams will likely include:

• Assessment of any changes since your last exam.
• Conversation about how you’re feeling — mind, body and spirit.
• Discussion about lifestyle behaviors.
• In-office screenings, as appropriate.
• Personalized health advice.
• Physical examination.
• Physical examination.
• Review of your health history and medications.

During your exam, your doctor will probably check your:

• Blood sugar level.
• Cholesterol.
  
• Heart health.
• Mental health.
• Respiratory health.
• Skin health.
• Vitals (weight, height, blood pressure).

Preventive Health Screenings

Detecting disease early is essential for your health. Health screenings can help spot problems sooner, before you have symptoms, so treatment can be easier and more effective. While factors such as your family medical history, lifestyle and age can affect which screenings you may need, these tests can help detect many common conditions:

• Blood pressure check: Yearly beginning at age 18
• Bone density test: Women as recommended beginning at age 65
• Breast cancer and disease (Mammogram): Yearly for women beginning at age 40
• Cervical cancer (Pap smear): Yearly for women beginning at age 21, or when sexually active
• Cholesterol check: Yearly for women beginning at age 45, men beginning at age 35, smokers or those with a history of diabetes or heart disease beginning at age 20
• Colorectal cancer tests (Colonoscopy): Beginning at age 50
• Diabetes screening: Beginning at diagnosis of high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Heart and vascular screening: Identifies blocked arteries to protect against stroke and aneurysm. 
• Lung cancer screening, such as CT imaging: As recommended beginning at age 50
• Prostate cancer screening: Men as recommended beginning at age 50
• Sexually transmitted disease tests: As recommended by your doctor if you are sexually active

Your doctor may recommend other screening tests, depending on your risk factors. Your primary care doctor can help you understand what screenings you need and when you need them.

Take responsibility for your health today and schedule an appointment for an annual wellness visit with your primary care physician. If you don’t have a physician, find a doctor near you.