Having annual health exams increases the likelihood of your living a long and healthy life. Annual exams are important for detecting problems before they start or when they have just begun. The earlier you identify a problem, the better your chances for treatment and a cure are.

The best place to go for your annual health exam is to your regular health care provider or doctor, usually an internist. You should undergo screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive services appropriate for your age, health, family health history, and lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking). Adults should be screened for cancer; bone health; and cardiovascular, reproductive, respiratory, and mental health issues.

Recommended cancer screenings for women include a Pap test at least every 3 years to check for cervical cancer and, for women ages 40 and over, a yearly mammogram to check for breast cancer. Men and women ages 50 and over should have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years to screen for colorectal cancer. For men 50 and over, an annual prostate screening is recommended.

Adults ages 60 and above should undergo a bone density test to determine whether they have osteoporosis.

Annual heart health exams include checking your blood pressure and cholesterol and monitoring your diet if you have high cholesterol or are at risk for heart disease or diabetes. Additionally, you may be prescribed low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack.

Sexual health screenings include testing women for chlamydia and gonorrhea. All adults at risk should be tested for HIV and syphilis.

Adults in high-risk groups should have flu shots, and men and women ages 65 and over should have pneumonia immunization and a herpes-zoster vaccination. All adults should be checked for depression.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. During your annual exam, your doctor should review your health history, including previous problems you’ve had and whether you’re taking any medications.
  2. Children over age 2 should have an annual health examination by a pediatrician. The checkup should include monitoring growth patterns and blood pressure, performing a complete blood count, administering immunizations, and possibly checking cholesterol. Children under 2 should have regular checkups more frequently, as recommended by their pediatricians. Female children who are sexually active should have a Pap test.