Preventing Health Problems

There are specific preventive care recommendations for different stages of your life. You can meet your preventive care requirements through a combination of the following:

• Complete preventive care visits
• Asking about preventive care when being seen by your doctor for other concerns
• Scheduling additional appointments as needed

Birth to 23 months

When To Schedule a Visit

Visits usually are scheduled within the first 2 weeks, and at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 23 months. Each visit includes a height and weight check, body mass index (BMI), developmental assessment, head circumference measurement, vision and hearing checks. High-risk children may need lead testing at ages 12 and 24 months. Check with your doctor.

Immunizations

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and poliovirus (DTaP-HepB-IPV): 2, 4, and 6 months
• Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib): 2 and 4 months
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV): 2, 4, 6 and 15 months
• Rotavirus (Rv): 2, 4 and 6 months
• Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV): 12–15 months
• Hepatitis A: 12–15 months and 18–23 months
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, haemophilus influenza type B (DTaP-Hib): 15 months
• Influenza: Every year for ages 6 months and older

Ages 2 to 6

When To Schedule a Visit

Visits usually are scheduled at ages 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Visits will include a height and weight check, BMI, developmental assessment and vision, hearing and blood pressure checks.

Immunizations

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP): 5 years
• Poliovirus (IPV): 5 years
• Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV): 5 years
• Influenza: Every year for ages 2 to 6

Ages 7 to 11

When To Schedule a Visit

Visits usually are scheduled at ages 8 and 10. Visits will include a height and weight check, BMI, vision and hearing checks, developmental assessment and blood pressure check.

Ages 12 to 18

When To Schedule a Visit

Visits usually are scheduled at ages 12, 14, 16 and 18. Visits will include a height and weight check, BMI, developmental assessment, blood pressure check, vision and hearing checks. A Pap test and chlamydia screening are recommended for females who are sexually active.

Immunizations

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Females only (3-dose series)
• Varicella (chickenpox): Second dose

Birth to Age 18—Lifestyle Habits

Make sure your children receive all the recommended immunizations and that your home is a safe, smoke-free environment. In the car, children need to use car seats (or booster seats) until age 8; all children should wear seat belts. Make sure your children use bike helmets, eat a variety of nutritious foods and are physically active. Have them get regular dental check-ups between ages 2–18. Ensure that they are counseled about tobacco/alcohol/drug use and sexual activity.

Ages 19 to 39

When To Schedule a Visit

It is recommended that men see their doctor every five years for a complete preventive care visit. Women should schedule a visit every three to five years. Each visit includes a height, weight, and blood pressure check, preventive counseling, BMI, a health risk assessment and any necessary screening tests or immunizations. Blood pressure checks may need to be done more often.

Screening Tests and Immunizations

Men and Women

• Blood pressure check: Every two years
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): One-time replacement for tetanus, diphtheria (Td); Td every 10 years
• Hepatitis B: If not done previously and at risk (3-dose series)
• Varicella (chickenpox): Two doses, if no evidence of immunity

Men

• Cholesterol check: Every five years beginning at age 35

Women

• Clinical breast exam: Every three years
• Pap test and pelvic exam: Every three years (after three consecutive annual normals)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Age 26 or younger, if not done previously (3-dose series)

Lifestyle Habits

The lifestyle habits you establish now can affect what your health problems may be in the future. It is important to get regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet and avoid 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.

Ages 40 to 64

When To Schedule a Visit

It is recommended that men see their doctor every five years for a complete preventive care visit. Women should schedule a visit every three to five years. Each visit includes a height, weight, BMI and blood pressure check, preventive counseling, a health risk assessment and any necessary screening tests or immunizations. Blood pressure checks, influenza vaccinations, clinical breast exams and mammograms may need to be done more often.

Screening Tests and Immunizations

Men and Women

• Blood pressure check: Every two years
• Cholesterol check: Men—every five years; women—every five years beginning at age 45
• Colon cancer screening: Discuss this with your doctor. Generally, it should be started at age 50. For African Americans, it should be started at age 45.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): One-time replacement for tetanus, diptheria (Td); Td every 10 years
• Influenza: Every year beginning at age 50
• Shingles vaccine (Zos): Once, age 60 or older

Men

• PSA and prostate exam: Talk to your doctor about your individual risk

Women

• Clinical breast exam: Every year
• Mammogram: Every year beginning at age 50 (Depending on your health history or preference, every year, ages 40–49 also. Discuss with your doctor.)
• Pap test and pelvic exam: Every three years (after three consecutive annual normals)

Ages 65 and Older

When To Schedule a Visit

It is recommended that men and women see their doctor every one to two years for a complete preventive care visit. Each visit includes a height, weight, BMI and 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
• Cholesterol check: Ask your doctor when you need this test.
• Colon cancer screening: Discuss this with your doctor.
• Hearing and vision screening: Beginning at age 75
• Tetanus, diphtheria (Td): Every 10 years
• Influenza: Every year
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV): Once at age 65 or older
• Shingles vaccine (Zos): Once if not done previously

Women

• Clinical breast exam: Every year
• Mammogram: Every year until age 75
• Pap test and pelvic exam: Every three years (If you’ve had regular Pap tests with normal results, you may defer screening after age 65.)

Lifestyle Habits

Advice you followed or ignored about diet, physical activity and the use of tobacco is as important now as ever. Regular physical activity, even for the frail or elderly, is one of the most effective ways to stay vital. Aging should bring a renewed focus on keeping any health problems from getting worse and maintaining the healthy habits you have developed.