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    Transcript - Preventive care checklist


    The proactive way to stay healthy

     

    Make time to visit your doctor once a year, even if you feel fine. Share your health history. Ask questions. And bring this handy guide to recommend screenings and their frequency.

     

    Ages 18-29

    • Body mass index – Height/weight ration indicates overall health. Normal – 18.5 to 24.9. Yearly, from age 18.
    • Blood pressure test – Exam using arm cuff. Indicates heart health. Ideal – 120/80. Yearly, from age 18.
    • STD screening – Blood test or cell swab. Yearly, depending on sexual activity.

    Ages 40-49

    • Blood sugar test - Screens for Type II diabetes. Regularly, from age 45.

    Age 50-59

    • Colonoscopy - Imaging of the colon via scope. Detects cancer. Every 10 years, from age 45. 

    For Men:

    • Testicular exam – Checks for changes in appearance and feel. Screens for cancer. Yearly, from age 18.
    • Cholesterol test – Blood test. Indicates heart heath. Regularly, from age 35+.
    • Prostate exam – Rectal exam and blood test. Detects cancer. Regularly, from 50.
    • Abdominal Ultrasound: detects abnormalities in the aorta, the main blood vessel in your midsection. Once, 65-75.

    For Women:

    • Pap smear – Microscopic cell exam screens for cervical cancer. Every 3 years, from age 21.
    • Mammogram – Breast x-ray to detect abnormal lumps. Every 1 or 2 years, as early as age 40.
    • Cholesterol test – Blood test. Indicates heart health. Regularly, from age 45+.
    • Bone density scan – Enhanced x-ray. Detects osteoporosis. Regularly, from age 65+.*

    Vaccines:

    They’re not just for kids. Your doctor may recommend other shots depending on your risk factors.

    • Flu – Yearly, from age 18.
    • TDaP – Combined protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). At least once as an adult.
    • Shingles – 1 or 2 shots, starting as young as age 50.
    • Pneumonia – 2 shots given 1 year apart. Age 65+, or younger if you’re at risk.

    * If you have diabetes, smoke, have a family history of the illness or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier screening.

     

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.

     

    Copyright Aetna 2019

     

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