Medical Update September 2023

8 —Medical Guide, September 2023 E arly detection is crucial to overcoming serious illnesses. Preventive care is something parents prioritize when raising children, but it’s a crucial component of healthy living as an adult as well. Health professionals rec- ommend various age-speci fi c screenings and tests, and these can serve as a guideline for individuals as they navi- gate adulthood. The following age-speci fi c health screening recommendations, courtesy of Beaumont Health and Co- lumbia Doctors Primary Care, can serve as an preventive care guideline, though doc- tors may advise patients to get more frequent screenings depending on their medical histories. 18 to 39 years old • Cholesterol: A cho- lesterol check should occur around age 20, then every fi ve years until age 35. Afterward it can occur annually. • Skin screening: An annual full body screening will identify any suspicious moles or skin lesions. • Cervical cancer: Women in this age range should receive a Pap smear every three years and an an- nual pelvic exam. • Breast exam: Self-ex- amination of the breasts and examination by a clinical pro- vider should take place every year. • Testicular exam: Men should conduct self exams for testicular abnormalities. Doc- tors may examine the testicles during annual physicals as well. • Tdap vaccine: All adults should get the Tdap vaccine if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis, and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. • HPV vaccine: The hu- man papilloma virus vaccine is recommended if you did not receive it as an adolescent. 40 to 64 • Zoster (Shingles) vaccine: Two doses of this vaccine will be administered between two and six months apart starting at age 50 and up. • Colorectal screen- ing: A colonoscopy to detect any colorectal illnesses is recommended beginning at age 50. • Prostate screening: Prostate screenings begin at age 50 unless you are a high- risk individual, in which case screenings begin at age 40. • Osteoporosis: Doc- tors may recommend a bone density test and osteoporosis screening at age 50 and up if certain risk factors are pres- ent. • Lung cancer screen- ing: If you are a past or cur- rent smoker, itÕs wise to have an annual lung cancer screening. The American Lung Association says adults age 55 and up can have this screening covered by health insurance. • M a m m o g r a m : Women should begin receiv- ing annual mammograms at age 40. 65 years and older • Cervical cancer: Most women can stop get- ting Pap smears at this age if they have no history of cervical cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy may no longer need pelvic exams after age 65. • Pneumococcal and pneumonia vaccines: These are recommended every five years for certain conditions and risk factors. • Cognitive health: Doctors may assess your cognitive health to see if there are any risk factors for dementias. In addition to these screen- ings, doctors may conduct annual depression screen- ings to assess mental health. Routine blood glucose mon- itoring may be necessary based on risk factors for di- abetes. Individuals are urged to speak to their doctors to map out a health screening schedule specific to their needs. Age-based health screening guidelines Health professionals recommend various age-speci fi c screenings and tests, and these can serve as a guideline for individuals as they navigate adulthood.