EVEN MORE HEALTH TOPICS:

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BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

• Have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. If the top number (systolic number) is from 120 to 139 mm Hg, or the bottom number (diastolic number) is from 80 to 89 mm Hg, you should have it checked every year.

• If the top number is 130 or greater or the bottom number is 80 or greater, schedule an appointment with your provider to learn how you can reduce your blood pressure.

• If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often, but still at least once a year.

• Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked.

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CALCIUM

• Do I need to take calcium or vitamin D pills? Not if you are getting enough calcium in your diet. If your diet is low in calcium then yes, you should consider a calcium supplement with vitamin D. See what the National Osteoporosis Foundation has to say about this topic. 

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CHOLESTEROL SCREENING

• Recommended starting age for cholesterol screening is age 45 for women with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease.

• Once cholesterol screening has started, your cholesterol should be checked every 5 years.

• Repeat testing sooner than needed if changes occur in lifestyle (including weight gain and diet).

• If you have high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often.

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DENTAL EXAM

• Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits. Try Avi Malkis with Larchmont Family Dental.

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DIABETES SCREENING

• If you are over age 44, you should be screened every 3 years.

• Having a BMI over 25 means that you are overweight. If you are overweight, ask your provider if you should be screened at a younger age. Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is greater than 23.

• If your blood pressure is above 130/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your provider may test your blood sugar level for diabetes.

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EYE EXAM

• Have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54 and every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64. Your provider may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk.

• Have an eye exam at least every year if you have diabetes.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

• You should get a flu shot every year.

• Ask your provider if you should get a vaccine to reduce your risk of pneumococcal infection (causes a type of pneumonia).

• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines if you did not receive it previously as an adolescent. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

• You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccine at or after age 50.

• Your provider may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for certain conditions.

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE SCREENING

• The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for hepatitis C. Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be screened for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV, as well as other infections.

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LUNG CANCER SCREENING

You should have an annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) if all of the following are present:

• You are over age 55 AND

• You have a 30 pack-year smoking history AND

• You currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

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PHYSICAL EXAM

• Your blood pressure should be checked at least every year.

• Your provider may recommend checking your cholesterol every 5 years if you have risk factors for coronary heart disease.

• Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at each exam.

During your exam, your provider may ask you about:

• Depression

• Diet and exercise

• Alcohol and tobacco use

• Safety issues, such as using seat belts and smoke detectors

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SKIN EXAM

• Your provider may check your skin for signs of skin cancer, especially if you're at high risk. People at high risk include those who have had skin cancer before, have close relatives with skin cancer, or have a weakened immune system.