An ounce of prevention is important at any age
Our bodies are like finely tuned machines.
You take your car in for regular oil changes, get the tires rotated, and get regular maintenance. You wouldn’t just take your car to the shop if there’s a problem, so why treat your body that way? Don’t wait until you have a major health problem to see your doctor. It is important to have regular check-ups to ensure that you are getting the appropriate preventive screenings and vaccines for your age and health status. Preventive care is a lifelong process that starts in your youth and extends to your twilight years. The following are the recommended screenings, vaccines, and tests for each age group according to the CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
In your 20s:
- Blood pressure screening
Adults over 18 should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, but fortunately this is usually part of the intake process at any medical clinic.
- STD screening
Adults who are sexually active should be screened for HIV, gonorrhea or chlamydia and the screenings should be repeated with every new sexual partner.
- Pap smear
Women over 21 should obtain a pap smear to check for cervical cancer every 3 years. At age 30, women should also be tested for HPV (human papillomavirus)
- HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine can be given to men and women until age 26 and may require multiple shots over time.
In your 30s:
- Cholesterol check
Adults over 35 should be screened for high cholesterol. If you are at an increased risk for heart disease, like if you have diabetes, a personal or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, are a smoker, or overweight you can have your cholesterol checked at a younger age.
In your 40s:
- Blood glucose check
Overweight adults over age 40 should be screened for diabetes by obtaining a blood glucose level.
In your 50s:
- Colon cancer screening
After age 50 you should get a colonoscopy every 10 years to rule out the presence of colon cancer.
- Breast cancer screening
Women over age 50 should have a mammogram done as part of their Well Woman exam every 2 years to screen for breast cancer.
If you are over 50 and are at risk for heart disease (you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or are a smoker) consider talking to your doctor about an aspirin regimen.
In your 60s:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screen
If you are a male over 65 and have a history of smoking talk to your doctor about getting a screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Fall prevention
The elderly are at significant risk for falls, which can cause debilitating fractures or other health problems so if you are over 65 talk to doctor about fall prevention strategies. They may include exercise, vitamin D, and physical therapy.
- Pneumococcal vaccine
Adults over 65 should receive a pneumococcal vaccine to prevent any infection by a particular strain of bacteria that can cause pneumonia or meningitis.
- Shingles vaccine
Adults over the age of 60 are eligible for a shingles vaccine, which is a painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus.
- Osteoporosis screen
Women over 65 should talk to their doctor about obtaining a bone density scan that can screen for osteoporosis.
- Flu vaccine
All adults should receive the flu vaccine every year, especially if you will be in close contact with babies or the elderly.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine
All adults should get one dose of the Tdap vaccine and get a booster shot for tetanus every 10 years.
Stay in the know about interesting things in Nashville. Sign up for the Fetch newsletter!
For more time Under the Stethoscope, head here:
Andrei Javier works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She has an extensive background in clinical research and health policy. She was a finalist for a Nashville Emerging Leaders Award in 2016 and was featured in Nashville Lifestyles. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, community service and exploring Nashville's culinary scene.