How Often Should I Have Health Screenings?
Health screenings are performed routinely to check for specific diseases and conditions. Screenings help make early intervention possible for these diseases and conditions, leading to more successful medical treatment. With that in mind, many patients aren’t sure of how often to get health screenings done. The answer is different for everyone depending on factors like age, family medical history, and other risk factors for certain conditions.
Here, we’ll discuss what to consider as you decide when to have health screenings. If you’re unsure, make sure to consult a doctor, such as a member of the team at Family Medical Centers.
Physicals
First off, let’s talk about routine physicals. For most people, a routine physical exam should be completed once annually. This is especially true for patients over the age of 50 or who have preexisting medical conditions.
Your doctor can complete the required screenings during your annual physical and let you know when to come back for additional screenings.
Types of Screenings
Blood pressure
Blood pressure tests are usually performed at annual physicals to check for high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for conditions including heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke, making blood pressure checks important in maintaining your overall health.
Cholesterol
Every few years, it’s recommended to have your cholesterol levels checked. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. So, by identifying high cholesterol as early as possible, your doctor can help you lower it to preserve your heart health.
Cancer screenings
There are many different cancer screenings used today. These screenings help doctors diagnose cancer when it’s at its most treatable. For some types of cancer screenings, it may be recommended for you to visit a specialist. For example, Pap smears for cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screenings are generally performed in annual appointments with an OB/GYN, which are recommended for women starting at age 21. Screenings for colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and skin cancer are also available.
To schedule an appointment for health screenings and/or your annual physical, contact Family Medical Centers today.