Preventive care - ages 19 to 39

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is the care you get when your doctor assesses your health risks and provides health education counseling, screening tests and immunizations. It is different than when you visit your doctor for a specific concern such as a backache. Preventive care is aimed at keeping you healthy or identifying problems while they are easy to treat.

Preventive care can be done when you are seeing your doctor for another concern. For example, you usually have your blood pressure checked whenever you visit your doctor. While some preventive care is done during other visits, it is important to schedule a comprehensive preventive exam as recommended by your clinician.

When to schedule a visit

In general, it is recommended that you see your clinician at least every five years for a preventive care visit. You and your clinician will determine the best frequency for you. Each visit includes a height and weight check, a blood pressure check, preventive counseling, a health risk assessment and any necessary screening tests or immunizations.

Screening tests and immunizations

Men and women

• Blood pressure check: Every two years
• Tetanus-diphtheria booster: Every 10 years
• Hepatitis B vaccine(series of three): If not done previously

Women

• Clinical breast exam: Every three years
• Pap test and pelvic exam: Every three years (after three consecutive annual normals)

Men

• Cholesterol check:  Every five years beginning at age 35
  

Lifestyle habits

The lifestyle habits you establish now can affect how you feel and what your health problems may be in the future. It is important to establish positive health habits such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco products and excessive alcohol use. Remember to use your seat belt, never drink and drive and stay within the speed limit to reduce your risk of accidental injury.