WELLtip: Checklist: 6 Top Health Checkups

Spring is a great time to take a moment and make sure you are getting the checkups you need to maintain your wellness!

1. Annual wellness visit: hopefully your insurance covers you for an annual checkup with your family doctor. Prepare ahead of time by writing down any questions or concerns you have.
2. Dental exam: most adults and children should see their dentist for a cleaning and checkup once every six months!
3. Mammogram: the National Cancer Institute recommends women 40 and over get a mammogram screening once every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at risk for cancer should talk with their doctor about screening before 40.
4. Colorectal screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends adults 50 and over of average risk for colon cancer get screened once a year.
5. Gynecological exam: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that Pap smear testing begin within three years of sexual intercourse, or by age 21. After that, annual pap smears should continue until age 30, when healthy women with three consecutive normal Pap smears may reduce tests to every two or three years, at the advice of their gynecologist.
6. Eye exam: children should have their first eye exam before the first grade! How often you or your child has an eye exam depends on your health and your family history. Talk with your doctor about your vision during your annual wellness exam. You can read the Mayo Clinic's recommendations here. 

As with all content on this blog unless specifically noted, this post was developed based on our own expertise and extensive research utilizing sources including the Mayo Clinic, ACOG, and National Cancer Institute. It is a supplement not a replacement for the advice of your doctor. Remember, communication is the KEY. Never hesitate to contact your doctor with any questions!

Comments

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