Preventive Care Checklist by Age

Preventive care helps catch health problems early when they're easier to treat. Here's what you need to know for each stage of life.

Ages 18-39: Building Healthy Habits

Annual Check-ups
- Physical exam with your primary care doctor
- Blood pressure check at least every 2 years
- Cholesterol screening every 5 years (or more if high risk)
- Diabetes screening every 3 years starting at age 35

For Women:
- Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21
- Breast self-exams monthly
- Clinical breast exam every 1-3 years

For Men:
- Testicular self-exam monthly
- Discuss family history of prostate cancer with doctor

For Everyone:
- Dental cleanings every 6 months
- Eye exam every 2 years
- Skin cancer screening annually if high risk
- Mental health screening as needed

Ages 40-64: Increased Screening

Annual Check-ups
- Physical exam with your primary care doctor
- Blood pressure check annually
- Cholesterol screening every 5 years (or more if high risk)
- Diabetes screening every 3 years

Cancer Screenings
- Mammogram annually for women starting at age 40-50
- Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45-50
- Cervical cancer screening every 3-5 years for women
- Prostate screening discussion with doctor for men starting at age 50

Additional Screenings
- Bone density test for women at menopause
- Eye exam every 1-2 years
- Skin cancer screening annually
- Hearing test if problems noticed

Ages 65+: Comprehensive Monitoring

Annual Check-ups
- Physical exam with your primary care doctor
- Blood pressure check at every visit
- Cholesterol screening annually
- Diabetes screening annually

Important Screenings
- Mammogram annually for women
- Colonoscopy every 10 years (or as recommended)
- Bone density test every 2 years for women, as needed for men
- Eye exam annually
- Hearing test every 3 years

Vaccinations
- Annual flu shot
- Pneumonia vaccine (usually 2 doses)
- Shingles vaccine at age 60
- Tdap booster every 10 years
- COVID-19 vaccine as recommended

Additional Considerations
- Fall risk assessment
- Cognitive screening
- Depression screening
- Medication review

Important Vaccinations for All Ages

Adults Need:
- Annual flu shot
- Tdap booster every 10 years
- COVID-19 vaccine as recommended
- Shingles vaccine at age 60+
- Pneumonia vaccine at age 65+

Travel Vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Others based on destination

How to Prepare for Appointments

Before Your Visit:
1. Make a list of current medications
2. Write down questions you want to ask
3. Note any symptoms or concerns
4. Bring insurance cards and ID
5. Arrive 15 minutes early

Questions to Ask:
- "What screenings do I need at my age?"
- "When should I schedule my next appointment?"
- "Are there any symptoms I should watch for?"
- "Do I need any vaccinations?"
- "Should I make any lifestyle changes?"

Making Preventive Care Affordable

Insurance Coverage:
- Most preventive care is covered 100% by insurance
- Check with your insurance about covered services
- Use in-network providers to save money

Community Resources:
- Community health centers offer sliding scale fees
- Health departments provide low-cost screenings
- Pharmacy clinics offer basic screenings
- Free screening events in many communities

Employer Benefits:
- Workplace wellness programs
- Health savings accounts (HSAs)
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Sooner

Don't wait for your regular check-up if you have:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Sudden severe headache
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unusual lumps or bumps
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Changes in moles or skin

Keeping Track of Your Health

Create a Health File:
- Vaccination records
- Test results
- List of medications
- Family health history
- Emergency contacts

Use Technology:
- Health apps to track appointments
- Patient portals to access records
- Reminder systems for screenings

Remember: Preventive care is an investment in your future health. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch problems early when they're most treatable.