Health Tests & Screenings: Recommended Schedules for Men, Women & Children
Knowing which health screenings you need at a certain age can be difficult, especially with such rapid advances in medicine. Middle-aged folks, in particular, tend to see the doctor
rarely…secure in their invincibility. But no matter how healthy a person may be, everyone should adhere to the recommended health screening schedule. Regardless of a person's age, there are a number of immunizations and screenings individuals should have.
The following charts – assembled from recommendations by the National institutes of Health and various health advocacy groups - are by no means complete, and only cover some of the more common health issues for which a doctor may want to screen a patient. A physician may recommend screenings earlier or more frequently than indicated because of a patient's current health, pre-existing conditions, hereditary factors, or for other reasons.
Health Screening Schedule
Men*:
18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 years
21-40 years old: prostate exam, every 2-3 years
40+ years old, prostate exam, every year
40+ years old: general physical exam, every year
50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 years
50+ years old, osteoporosis screening, as indicated by your physician
Women*:
18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 years
40+ years old: general physical exam, every year
All women: Tetanus/Diphtheria: every ten years
All women: pap smear, every 1-3 years
All women: breast exam, every 1-3 years
40+ years old: mammogram, every year
50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 years
60+ years old: osteoporosis screening, every 2-5 years
Children*:
Children undergo a number of regular checkups and immunizations early, with visits becoming less frequent as they age. Two checkups will typically occur in the two weeks following birth. Additional checkups are typically scheduled at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24
months old. After a child's 2nd birthday, they will generally have an annual checkup unless they are ill, injured or the parent has specific concerns regarding their health. Pediatricians typically schedule immunizations to coincide with appointments, though some may require specific appointments. The pediatrician will provide the parent or guardian with an appropriate schedule based on a child's specific health condition, growth and medical history.
* Patients should speak with their doctor regarding recommended screenings, immunizations and checkups, and should always follow their doctor's guidance.
rarely…secure in their invincibility. But no matter how healthy a person may be, everyone should adhere to the recommended health screening schedule. Regardless of a person's age, there are a number of immunizations and screenings individuals should have.
The following charts – assembled from recommendations by the National institutes of Health and various health advocacy groups - are by no means complete, and only cover some of the more common health issues for which a doctor may want to screen a patient. A physician may recommend screenings earlier or more frequently than indicated because of a patient's current health, pre-existing conditions, hereditary factors, or for other reasons.
Health Screening Schedule
Men*:
18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 years
21-40 years old: prostate exam, every 2-3 years
40+ years old, prostate exam, every year
40+ years old: general physical exam, every year
50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 years
50+ years old, osteoporosis screening, as indicated by your physician
Women*:
18-40 years old: general physical exam, every 1-2 years
40+ years old: general physical exam, every year
All women: Tetanus/Diphtheria: every ten years
All women: pap smear, every 1-3 years
All women: breast exam, every 1-3 years
40+ years old: mammogram, every year
50+ years old: colon cancer screening, every 5-10 years
60+ years old: osteoporosis screening, every 2-5 years
Children*:
Children undergo a number of regular checkups and immunizations early, with visits becoming less frequent as they age. Two checkups will typically occur in the two weeks following birth. Additional checkups are typically scheduled at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24
months old. After a child's 2nd birthday, they will generally have an annual checkup unless they are ill, injured or the parent has specific concerns regarding their health. Pediatricians typically schedule immunizations to coincide with appointments, though some may require specific appointments. The pediatrician will provide the parent or guardian with an appropriate schedule based on a child's specific health condition, growth and medical history.
* Patients should speak with their doctor regarding recommended screenings, immunizations and checkups, and should always follow their doctor's guidance.
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