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Adult Preventive Health Recommendations

Healthy adults between the ages of 21 and 65 should visit a primary care provider (PCP) every one to three years. After age 65, adults should see a PCP every year. Talk to your PCP or health care provider about any risk factors that may require additional preventive care.

Screenings

  • Medical history and physical exam.
  • Height and weight measurements including check for obesity.
  • Hearing and vision tests.
  • Blood pressure check.
  • Blood cholesterol levels (men age 35 and older; women age 45 and older).
  • Colon cancer check (test for hidden blood in the stool or sigmoidoscopy for age 50
    and older).
  • Mammogram (X-ray to screen for breast cancer) every 1 to 2 years for women age 40 and older with or without breast exam by health care provider.
  • Pap smear (cervical cancer screening test) every year. After three or more normal screenings, your PCP may recommend less frequent testing.
  • Chlamydia screening (a test for a sexually transmitted disease) for all sexually active and pregnant women age 25 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) for all women age 65
    and older.
  • Signs of problem drinking, family violence and depression.

Immunizations (Shots)

  • Flu shot every year for age 50 and older or who have a chronic illness.
  • Pneumonia shot once for age 65 and older; earlier for persons with a chronic illness. Some people may need a booster after six years.
  • Tetanus/diptheria shot every 10 years.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) shot, one or two doses, for adults up to age 50. Women of childbearing years should talk to their PCP about the right time to receive this shot.
  • Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots are given to protect high risk adults from these liver
    diseases. Ask your PCP if you should receive one or both of them.
  • Varicella (Chicken pox) shot once for adults who have not had chicken pox.
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

Medicines Used to Prevent Disease

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

  • 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.