|
|
|
Medical Health Encyclopedia
Physical exam frequency
(Page 2)
AGE 40-65
- Blood pressure screening:
- Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
- Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
- If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.
- If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
- Cholesterol screening:
- Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years.
- Women over age 44 should be checked every 5 years.
- If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
- Colon cancer screening: People between the ages of 50 and 80 should be screened for colorectal cancer. African-Americans need to start screening at age 45. This may involve:
- A stool test done every year.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool guaiac test.
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
- Double-contrast barium enema.
- Computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
- People with risk factors for colon cancer such as long-standing ulcerative colitis, personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or history of large colorectal adenomas may need a colonoscopy more often.
- Dental exam:
- Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
- Eye exam:
- If you have vision problems, continue to have an eye exam every 2 years.
- Everyone (with or without eye problems) should begin to have regular eye exams every 2 years after age 40.
- Once you turn 45, make sure that you have tonometry done to check for glaucoma.
- Immunizations:
- You should receive a flu vaccine every year after age 50.
- Ask your doctor if you should get a vaccine to reduce your risk of pneumonia.
- You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccination every 10 years.
- A shingles or herpes zoster vaccination may be given once after age 60.
- Physical exam:
- Have a physical exam every 1-5 years.
- Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at each exam.
- Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended.
- Men: Prostate exam:
- Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their health care provider. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should start at age 45.
- Screening tests may include the PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination.
- Women: Breast exams:
- Women may do a monthly breast self-exam.
- Women should contact their doctor immediately if they notice a change in their breasts, whether or not they do self exams.
- A complete breast exam should be done by a health care provider every year.
- Women: Mammograms:
- Women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram done every 1-2 years depending on risk factors to check for breast cancer.
- Women: Osteoporosis screening:
- All postmenopausal women with fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
- Women under 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis should be screened.
- Men: Osteoporosis screening:
- All men ages 50-70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss screening with their doctor.
- Women: Pelvic exam and Pap smear:
- Women should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cervical cancer and other disorders.
- If your Pap smears have been normal for 3 years in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear to every 2-3 years.
- Women who have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) may choose not to have Pap smears.
- Women who are sexually active should be screened for chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.
| |
|
|
|
.gif)
Get our free newsletter
