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Adult Preventive Health Recommendations

Healthy adults between 21 and 65 years of age should visit their primary care provider (PCP) every 1 to 3 years. After age 65, adults should see their PCP every year. Talk to your PCP or health care provider about any risk factors that may need more preventive care.

Screenings

  • Medical history and physical exam.
  • Height and weight measurements (including check for obesity).
  • Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Hearing and vision tests.
  • Blood pressure check.
  • Blood cholesterol levels — men 35 years of age and older, women 45 and older.
  • Colon cancer check (test for hidden blood in the stool and/or colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or doublecontrast barium enema) — adults 50 years of age and older.
  • Mammogram (X-ray to screen for breast cancer) — every year for women 40 years of age and older, with or without breast exam by health care provider.
  • Pap smear (cervical cancer screening test) — every year (for women who are sexually active and have a cervix).
  • Chlamydia screening (a test for a sexually transmitted disease) — routinely for all sexually active and pregnant women 25 years of age and younger or at high risk (Women should be retested after treatment for this disease).
  • Bone density scan (test for osteoporosis or thinning of the bones) — all women 65 years of age and older.
  • Signs of problem drinking, family violence and depression.

Immunizations (Shots)

  • Flu shot — every year for adults 50 years of age and older or those who have a chronic illness.
  • Pneumonia shot — once for adults 65 years of age and older, earlier for persons with a chronic illness (Some people may need a booster after 6 years).
  • Tetanus/diptheria shot — every 10 years.
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) shot — 1 or 2 doses, for adults up to 50 years of age (Women in childbearing years should talk to their PCP about the right time to receive this shot).
  • Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots — given to protect high-risk adults from these liver diseases (Ask your PCP if you should receive 1 or both of them).
  • Varicella (chicken pox) shot — once for adults who have not had chicken pox.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine — 3 doses for females up to 26 years of age who have not completed the vaccine series (Vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy).
Woman Stretching

Counseling

  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol and/or drugs
  • Good nutrition
  • The importance of safety belts
  • Wearing motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard helmets
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fall prevention
  • Safe water heater temperatures
  • Sexually transmitted disease prevention
  • Unintended pregnancy/birth control
  • Regular dental visits/dental care
  • Safe storage or removal of firearms
  • Physical activity/fitness
  • Limit fat and cholesterol
  • Adequate calcium intake (women)
  • Advance Health Directives

Medicines Used to Prevent Disease

Some medicines can help prevent diseases. Before taking any medicine, check with your PCP.

  • Aspirin: Can help prevent heart disease for men age 40 and older and women who have reached menopause.
  • Multivitamin with folic acid: Can reduce some birth defects when taken before and during pregnancy.
  • Hormone replacement therapy: Can reduce menopause symptoms for some women.