Stay Ahead of Your Health: Screenings and Preventive Care by Age
Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to catch health problems early, manage chronic conditions, and live longer, healthier lives. More and more often, insurance companies work closely with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the screenings you need, because they save you from future health problems and save our healthcare system costs in the long term. Whether you’re covered by insurance or not, staying on top of routine screenings and immunizations is essential. Your preventive care needs can vary depending on your age, gender, and your medical history, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about exactly what you need to do to make sure you’ve got all the bases covered. Feel free to call us to schedule, or just walk in, to get started with your annual physical and start tackling these goals. In general, here’s what you need to know about the screenings you might need based on your age and gender.
For Everyone
- Blood Pressure Checks: Keep your readings under 140/90. Your healthcare provider will work with you to manage high blood pressure and get it under control if needed.
- Annual Flu Shot (Ages 6 months+): Get vaccinated every year before flu season.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening (Ages 45–75): Options include a yearly stool test, colonoscopy every 9 years, or other approved screenings.
- Follow-Up After Hospital or ER Visit (All Ages): A check-in within 7 days is vital for your recovery and transition from the hospital. This can often be done by phone, so even if you can’t make it in, call our office as soon as possible!
Children and Adolescents
- Well-Care Visits (Ages 3–21): Kids and teens should see a provider at least once a year.
- Immunizations (By Age 2): DTaP, Polio, Hep A & B, MMR, HIB, chickenpox, PCV, rotavirus, and influenza.
- Lead Screening (By Age 2): Required for toddlers.
- Dental Exams (Ages 2–20): Routine dental visits every year.
- Teen Vaccines (By Age 13): Meningococcal, TDaP, and HPV series.
Women
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Ages 21–64): Pap smears every 1–3 years depending on age and risk. Women must discuss their risk with their provider to know how often this is needed.
- Breast Cancer Screening (Ages 40–74): Screening mammograms are recommended annually.
- Bone Density Scan (Ages 67–85): Every 2 years or after a fracture.
Men
- Prostate Screening (Ages 45–75): PSA testing based on personal risk factors and provider recommendation.
- Statin Use: Men with cardiovascular disease (ages 21–75) or diabetes (ages 40–75) should be on a statin medication if recommended.
For Diabetic Patients
- A1C Testing: Aim for an A1C less than 9%. Tests can be performed more often if your blood sugar is not controlled.
- Kidney Health Evaluation: Requires both a blood and urine test yearly.
- Dilated Eye Exam: This is recommended every year, unless you had a normal (negative) result last year.
- Statin Therapy: A statin drug, to control cholesterol levels in the blood, is recommended for most diabetic patients ages 40–75. Talk with your doctor to learn if this medication is right for you.
Older Adults (Ages 66+)
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: A yearly visit that includes medication review, functional status assessment, and a pain evaluation.
- Shingles Vaccine (Age 50+): Two doses of Shingrix.
- Pneumonia Vaccines (Age 65+): Prevnar13 and Pneumovax23 (typically one year apart).
Preventive care doesn’t just protect your health — it often reduces costs by catching conditions early. At Best Care Family and Wellness Centers, we’re here to make these services affordable and accessible, especially through our Best Care Yearly Plan for the Uninsured.
Want help staying up to date? Our team can guide you through what you need based on your age, history, and coverage. Call us or make an appointment now. Schedule your wellness visit today or click here to learn more about our Yearly Plan.
