Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to stay on top of your health and catch potential issues before they become problems. From your early adulthood to later years, certain health screenings can provide valuable insights into your body and help you make informed decisions about your well-being. Here’s a guide to the top screenings recommended at different stages of life and what they involve.
What Is Preventive Care and Screening?
Preventive screenings are medical tests that detect health issues early, often before symptoms appear. As part of preventive care, they help identify risks or early signs of disease, enabling timely treatment. Screenings include blood tests, mammograms, colonoscopies, and more, tailored to age, gender, and risk factors.
1. Blood Pressure Screening
What it Covers:
High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no noticeable symptoms, yet it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease or stroke. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help catch and manage hypertension early.
What to Expect:
This is a quick, painless test using an arm cuff to measure the pressure in your blood vessels. For adults, it’s recommended to get it checked at least once every two years, or more frequently if you have risk factors like a family history of hypertension.
2. Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)
What it Covers:
A cholesterol screening measures levels of “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in your blood, as well as triglycerides. High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What to Expect:
This test usually involves a small blood sample, taken either from your arm via a needle or with a finger prick. Adults aged 20 and above are encouraged to test every 4–6 years, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
3. Diabetes Screening
What it Covers:
This screening checks for high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) that may indicate prediabetes or diabetes—a condition that can lead to complications like kidney disease or vision problems if left untreated.
What to Expect:
A diabetes test involves either a fasting blood sugar test or an A1C test, which evaluates your average blood sugar levels over the last few months. Adults over 35 or those with risk factors may need regular screenings.
4. Cancer Screenings
What it Covers:
Certain screenings can help detect cancers early, often before symptoms appear. Common screenings include mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and skin checks.
What to Expect:
Each test varies. Your provider can guide you based on your age, gender, medical history, and family history.
5. Bone Density Test
What it Covers:
A bone density test is used to detect osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle. This is more common as you age.
What to Expect:
This non-invasive test, called a DEXA scan, uses low-dose X-rays to measure the strength of your bones. It’s typically recommended for women over 65 and men over 70 or earlier for those with risk factors.
6. Eye and Hearing Exams
What it Covers:
Eye exams check for vision issues like farsightedness or nearsightedness, as well as serious conditions such as glaucoma. Hearing exams assess your ability to hear and detect potential hearing loss.
What to Expect:
Eye exams often include vision tests with an eye chart and equipment to check eye health. Hearing tests involve listening to tones at varying frequencies. It’s generally a good idea to get these screenings every 1–2 years, especially as you age.
Take Charge of Your Health
Preventive screenings are helpful in maintaining your health at every stage of life. By understanding what these tests cover and scheduling them regularly, you can stay proactive and informed about your well-being. If you’re unsure where to begin or which screenings are right for you, you may want to consult a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan. Taking small steps today can lead to healthier tomorrows.
