Routine checkups can find treatable problems early. For
many medical problems, early treatment can help prevent more
serious complications. The value of checkups and how often
you have them depend mainly on your age. Your personal
medical history and that of your family are also important.
What needs to be checked and how often?
The tests listed below are recommended for routine health
care by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and
the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP). They are
the minimum checkup recommendations. You must discuss with
your health care provider how often you should have physical
exams and how often you need these or other tests. The
frequency depends on your symptoms and your personal and
family medical history.
- Blood pressure measurement: all women
- Clinical breast exam by your provider: at least every 3 years for women ages 20 to 39 years and every year for
women 40 years and older
- Mammogram: every 1 to 2 years after age 40
- Pap test: at least every 3 years for all women who have
ever had sex and who have not had their uterus removed
- Cholesterol test: women age 45 and older
- Fasting blood sugar for type 2 diabetes: women whose
blood pressure or blood lipids (cholesterol) are high
- Colorectal cancer test: all women over age 50. Some
women may need to start colorectal screening earlier if
an immediate family member has had colon cancer.
Possible tests include sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at
least every 10 years and a test for rectal blood every
year.
- Chlamydia test: all sexually active women age 25 and
younger and other women at high risk
- Gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV tests: women who are at high
risk for these infections, including women who have a new
or more than 1 sex partner, a history of STDs (sexually
transmitted diseases), a partner with an STD, or a
partner who is bisexual
- Tuberculosis (TB) test: women who have a high risk of TB,
such as health workers, drug users, immigrants, and women
who have close contact with someone infected with TB
- Bone density test for osteoporosis: women age 65 and
older if their risk is normal, women 60 and older if they
have an increased risk (for example, because they smoke
or do not get regular exercise). Osteoporosis is a
disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where
they break easily.
- Hearing test: women age 65 and older
- Vision test: women age 65 and older.
Remember, these are the minimum recommendations for routine
tests. You and your health care provider must discuss what
is right for you based on your symptoms and your personal
and family medical history.
Many other tests are often done at routine checkups, but
there is no current evidence that they are helpful as
routine screening tests for healthy women. Examples of such
tests are a CBC (complete blood count), thyroid tests, and
urine tests. When you have no symptoms of illness, you
should discuss the pros and cons of these and other tests
with your health care provider. Each test involves some
expense.
What shots do I need?
The following shots are recommended for adults:
- Tetanus (Td) booster shot at least every 10 years
- Flu shot every fall if you are 50 or older, you have
a high risk for complications from the flu, or you might
spread the flu to others who are at high risk. Women who
will be pregnant during flu season should also have a flu
shot.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella shot (MMR)> if you were born
after 1956 unless you have already had the shot or the
diseases
- Hepatitis A shot if you are at risk, for example, through
travel, the use of street drugs, or your job, including
military service
- Hepatitis B shot for all teens and young adults age 12 to
24 who have not had hepatitis or a hepatitis shot and for
all adults who are at risk of infection. This includes,
for example, women who have more than 1 sex partner or a
sexually transmitted infection, abuse IV drugs, or plan
to travel where hepatitis B is common.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia shot if you are age 65 or older.
You may need to get it at a younger age if you have a
high-risk medical condition.
- Varicella (chickenpox) if you have never had chickenpox.
What other things I can do to stay healthy?
You should expect your health care provider to advise you
regularly on other ways to stay healthy. Some of these may
include:
- Breast self-exams: Check your breasts every month.
- Substance use: Don't use tobacco or illegal drugs. Avoid
using alcohol while driving, swimming, boating, etc.
- Diet and exercise: Try to maintain your weight at a
comfortable, healthy level. Limit the fat and
cholesterol in your diet. Include a lot of whole grains,
fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Get regular
physical activity or exercise.
- Injury prevention: Use lap and shoulder belts when you
drive. Use a helmet when you ride a motorcycle or
bicycle. If you are around guns or other firearms,
practice safe handling and make sure to keep them in
locked cabinets when they are not in use. Install smoke
detectors in your home. Set your hot water heater to
less than 120°F (49°C).
- Dental health: Visit your dentist regularly. Brush your
teeth with fluoride toothpaste daily. Also floss your
teeth daily.
- Sexual behavior: Prevent sexually transmitted infections
by avoiding high-risk sexual behavior and by using
condoms.
- Hormone use: During or after menopause, discuss the risks
and benefits of use of estrogen and progesterone
replacement with your health care provider.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File WOM5276F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.
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