Physical exam frequency
Alternative names:
how often to get a physical
Information:
Even if you feel fine, it still important to see your health care provider regularly to check for potential problems. Most people who have hypertension don't even know it. The only way to find out if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Likewise, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until advanced disease has occurred.
There are specific times when you should see your health care provider. Some guidelines include:
AGE 18 TO 30:- Go to the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
- If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years.
- Have your blood pressure checked every year. Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies. If the systolic number (top number) is greater than 140 or the diastolic number (bottom number) is greater than 90, call your doctor.
- You should have 2 physical exams in your twenties. During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. With each exam, you should have a blood chemistry test (CHEM 27) done to check for diabetes, gout, thyroid, kidney, or liver problems. A complete blood count should be done to check for anemia, leukemias, or bleeding disorders. A urinalysis should also be done to check for diabetes, infections or kidneys or urinary tract disorders.
- MEN should perform a monthly testicular exam. WOMEN should perform a monthly self breast exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
- WOMEN should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for three years in a row, have your Pap smear done every 1 to 3 years.
AGE 30 TO 50: - Go to the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
- If you have vision problems, continue to have an eye exam every 2 years. Everyone (those with and without eye problems) should begin to have regular eye exams every 2 years after the age of 40. Once you turn 45, make sure that you also have tonometry done to check for glaucoma.
- Have your blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years.
- If your cholesterol level is normal, have it rechecked every 5 years.
- Have a physical exam every 1 to 5 years. With each exam, you should have a blood chemistry test (CHEM 27) done to check for diabetes, gout, thyroid, kidney, or liver problems. A complete blood count should be done to check for anemia, leukemias, or bleeding disorders. A urinalysis should also be done to check for diabetes, infections or kidneys or urinary tract disorders.
- After the age of 40, have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer (men). You should also have a stool guaiac test done every year. MEN should also have a PSA test every year if they are at high risk of prostate cancer.
- WOMEN should perform a monthly self breast exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
- WOMEN should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for three years in a row, have your Pap smear done every 1 to 3 years.
- WOMEN over the age of 40 should have a mammogram done every 1 to 2 years to check for breast cancer.
OVER THE AGE OF 50: - Have an eye exam every 2 years. Make sure that you have tonometry done to check for glaucoma.
- Go to the dentist every year.
- Have your blood pressure checked every year.
- If your cholesterol level is normal, have it rechecked every 3 to 5 years.
- If you are under 65 years old, have a physical exam every 1 to 2 years. If you are over 65 years old, have a yearly physical exam. With each exam, you should have a blood chemistry test (CHEM 27) done to check for diabetes, gout, thyroid, kidney, or liver problems. A complete blood count should be done to check for anemia, leukemias, or bleeding disorders. A urinalysis should also be done to check for diabetes, infections or kidneys or urinary tract disorders.
- After the age of 50, have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. You should also have a stool guaiac test done every year. MEN should also have a PSA test every year to check for prostate cancer.
- Every 3 to 5 years have a sigmoidoscopy exam. During this test, your health care provider will insert a lighted telescope-like tube into your rectum to check for cancer.
- WOMEN should perform a monthly self breast exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
- WOMEN should continue to have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for three years in a row, have your Pap smear done every 1 to 3 years.
- WOMEN over the age of 50 should have a mammogram done every year to check for breast cancer.
- Get the following vaccinations:
- After age 65, get a pneumonia vaccine (pneumococcal vaccine - polyvalent).
- After age 65, get a flu shot (influenza vaccine) every year.
- Get a tetanus booster (TD vaccine) when you turn 50.
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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