Which health screenings should I get?

Are you aware of the health screenings you should get and when you should have it done?

Screenings are a vital part of staying healthy and preventing any health concerns. In addition, health screenings also help to detect a wide range of health problems early so that serious concerns can be avoided.

The first thing to do is to talk with an internal medicine doctor. An internal medicine doctor is trained and experienced in identifying, treating and managing adult health issues.

While everyone should undergoa number of screenings, what you should be screened for and how often will depend upon a number of factors.

Types of Screenings

All adults should get their height and weight measurements and blood pressure checked, and get a flu shot each year (unless you are allergic to the shot or your doctor advises against it). You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up.

Other recommended health screenings by age and gender include –

· 18-39 years old people

Cholesterol: You should have a cholesterol test done. If the results are normal, your doctor may recommend repeating the test every few years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease or you’re overweight, your doctor may recommend an annual screening.

Skin cancer: Annual full body skin checkup can help detect skin cancer early, when it may be more treatable.

In women: Women should undergo an annual breast and pelvic exam. From the age of 21, a Pap test should be done every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. After the age of 30, you can have a combination Pap test/HPV test. If both are negative, your doctor may recommend repeating them every 5 years.

In men: Annual testicular exam should be done torule out testicular cancer.

· 40-64 years old people

In addition to the above-mentioned screenings, your doctor may also recommend:

Type 2 diabetes: Checking blood sugar levels to detect pre-diabetes and diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes or are significantly overweight, your doctor may recommend screening even earlier.

Colon cancer: The first colonoscopy should be done at either age 50 or 10 years earlier than the youngest member of your family was diagnosed with the disease. If the results are normal, you may undergo colonoscopy every 10 years. Morefrequent screeningmay be recommendedif you have a family history of colon cancer.

For women: The first mammogram should be performed at the age of 40 and then annually. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you start screening even earlier.

For men: Men, who are at average risk of prostate cancer, should start screening at 50. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may be screened at a younger age.

· 65 years and older

Many of the screenings conducted at a younger age may still be continued annually, depending on your doctor’s recommendations and your overall health. In addition, this stage may need you to be screened for –

• Bone density screening for women and men every two to five years
• Pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations
• Pneumonia vaccine every 5 years, especially if you have health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, emphysema, asthma or COPD.

If you are looking for internal medicine and restorative pain management doctors in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at (619) 333-8114.Pacific Medical Care provides a wide range of healthcare services, and first-rate care to treat the whole patient.

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pacificmedical Joined: October 24th, 2018