Your health is important, and it’s crucial to stay on top of things by getting regular check-ups and tests. But with so many different types of screenings and tests out there, it can be hard to know which ones you should be getting. Here’s a list of the most important check-ups and tests you should get at least once a year.
1. Dental check-ups
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is one of the most important ways to maintain good overall health, so make sure you visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up. Additionally, you should also brush and floss your teeth daily, and eat a healthy diet. You may have wellcare dental benefits through your employer or health insurance that covers preventive services like cleanings and X-rays, so be sure to check your coverage. If you don’t have dental insurance, there are still options for affordable dental care. This website can help you find low-cost dental providers in your area. It’s worth it to take care of your teeth.
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2. Blood pressure check
High blood pressure doesn’t usually have any symptoms, which is why it’s so important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. You can easily have your blood pressure checked at the doctor or pharmacy, and doing so should be part of your routine health check-up each year.
Additionally, you can take steps to keep your blood pressure in check by getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. If you’re overweight, losing even a few pounds can help lower your blood pressure. It’s also important to limit your sodium intake, as too much salt can lead to high blood pressure.
3. Cholesterol check
Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol usually doesn’t have any obvious symptoms. That’s why getting a cholesterol check should be part of your regular health routine. If left unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to heart attack and stroke. To keep your cholesterol levels in check, it’s important to eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. You may also want to talk with your doctor about taking a statin medication if you need additional help keeping your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels down. This website can help you find cholesterol screening services in your area.
4. Colon cancer screening
Getting screened for colon cancer on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk factors and catch this disease early before it progresses. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults over the age of 50 get a colonoscopy every 10 years, or a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to be screened more frequently.
You can talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Additionally, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
5. Mammogram
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can help detect breast cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 get a mammogram every year. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, you may need to be screened more frequently. You can talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
Additionally, you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and getting regular exercise. It’s also important to do monthly breast self-exams so that you can be aware of any changes in your breasts.
6. Pap test
A Pap test, or Pap smear, is a screening tool that can help detect cervical cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 21 get a Pap test every 3 years. If you have a family history of cervical cancer or other risk factors, you may need to be screened more frequently. You can talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
Additionally, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease, including getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet that’s low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to practice safe sex by using condoms every time you have sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
7. Chlamydia screen
If you are sexually active, it’s important to get screened for chlamydia on a regular basis. This sexually transmitted infection can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including infertility in women. The American Sexual Health Association recommends that sexually active people under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia annually and that anyone who has multiple sex partners should be tested more frequently. You can talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
Additionally, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including using condoms every time you have sex and getting tested for STIs before starting a new relationship.
8. Diabetes screen
If you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes—for example, if you have a family history of the disease or you are overweight—it’s important to get screened for diabetes on a regular basis. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people over the age of 45 get screened for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. You can talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Additionally, there are many things you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes, including maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet. It’s also important to monitor your blood sugar levels and see your doctor regularly.
Overall, there are many important check-ups and tests that you should do at least once a year. These include colonoscopies, mammograms, Pap smears, chlamydia screens, and diabetes screens. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you based on your age, family history, and other risk factors. It’s also important to take steps to reduce your risk of developing a range of serious health problems, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise.