Preventive Health: When Do I See the Doctor in Midlife?

Regular healthcare maintenance exams with screening tests, blood work, and necessary immunizations are important for ongoing health and healing as we age.

This is another way you can take very good care of YOU!

For Cardiovascular Health:

Assess your modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke with a blood pressure check every year, cholesterol check at least every 5 years beginning at age 35 for those with underlying risks (or age 45 without risk), and annual diabetes screening beginning at age 35 years until at least age 75.

For Gynecologic Health:

Have cervical cancer screening with a pap smear beginning at age 21 every 3 years until age 30-65 when you will need a pap smear every 3 years or HPV testing every 5 years. Stop screening at age 65+ if all are normal.

For Breast Health:

Begin having regular mammograms every 1-2 years at age 40, 45, or 50 years depending on your risk of breast cancer based on genetics and other risks like increasing age, menstrual/reproductive history, breast density, tobacco use, etc. Screen for as long as your life expectancy is 10 more years.

For Bowel Health:

Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 with stool testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy every 5-10 years. If stool testing or sigmoidoscopy is positive, you will need a colonoscopy. Screen until age 75.

For Bone Health:

Have a bone density test at least once at age 65 using DEXA scanning then repeat every 2-10 years depending on your initial results and underlying risk factors.

Remember to have regular mole checks at your annual exams, see your dentist every six months, have an updated eye exam every year, and continue with regular preventive exams that are pertinent to YOU.