The body doesn’t come with an owner’s manual, a how to guide, or a fix it kit. There is no instinct as to what health screenings you need and at what point in your life you need them. Most people realize the importance of immunization in the infant stages of life, but fail to see the importance of maintaining the preventative screenings after they have reached their senior years. If you are female, or someone you know, and are over sixty, then these are the screenings that your doctor would agree you need.
An ANNUAL height and weight check, usually included in a general physical.
An ANNUAL blood pressure and pulse rate health screening.
A blood sugar evaluation every other year.
An ANNUAL breast exam and an ANNUAL mammogram. (recommended by the American College of Obstetricians)
An ANNUAL pelvic exam and an ANNUAL pap smear. (recommended by the American College of Obstetricians)
Up to date immunizations with a influenza vaccine yearly and a pneumonia vaccine every 5 years.
Every three years, a hemocrit or hemoglobin test.
A standard urinalysis, yearly after the age of 55.
Twice a year dental exams, to keep optimum oral health.
HIV test if in risk zone for the disease.
Skin health screening every year, to check moles for changes.
A cholesterol screening and triglycerides test every 5 years.
A thyroid screening every five years.
Every 3-5 years an EKG test.
An ANNUAL stool test for occult blood.
A bone density test as your doctor advises.
An eye exam every 1 to 2 years if older than 65. (recommended by the Academy of Ophthalmology)
A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
A colonoscopy every 10 years.
This article provides a brief guide to the health screenings that one should be aware of in the age range indicated and isn’t designed to substitute for a medical doctor’s opinion. When in doubt, ask your physician.
If you need more information about when you need to have health screenings and what ones are available you can get more information at the free health and wellbeing website for Speaking of Women’s Health. The website address is
http://www.speakingofwomenshealth.comThere motto is “educating women to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and personal safety.” You can see them also weekly on the cable channel Lifetime every Saturday at 11:30am Eastern Standard Time and Pacific Standard Time
