Checkups

Health Checkups for Men

Eye Examination

To check for any vision problems such as near- or far-sightedness or eye muscle disorders and to look for any early signs of disease.
Those at risk: Men who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma.

Blood Pressure Measurement

To detect high blood pressure early, before it leads to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
Those at risk: Men with a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or stroke; men who are overweight or have diabetes; men who smoke or use tobacco products.

Cholesterol Test

To measure the blood levels of cholesterol and other fats, which helps evaluate the risk of heart disease.
Those at risk: Men with a family history of heart disease; men who have diabetes; men who smoke or use tobacco products.

Colon and Rectum Exam

To look for signs of cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate. Includes rectal examination performed by hand by a doctor, fecal occult blood test that checks for blood in the stool, sigmoidoscopy, and possibly a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.
Those at risk: Men with a family history of colon or rectal cancer; men who have intestinal polyps or ulcerative colitis; men over age 50. African-American men have an increased risk of prostate cancer and should start having prostate exams at age 45.

Comprehensive Physical Examination

To regularly assess your current health status and to maintain an ongoing relationship with your doctor. Be sure to see your doctor as often as he or she recommends.

Tests Recommended in Men Younger Than 30 Years

Tests Recommended in Men 30 to 50 Years Old

Tests Recommended in Men Older Than 50 Years

Excerpted from: Complete Guide to Men’s Health, American Medical Association, 2001.

Health Checkups for Women

Get a routine check up according to these guidelines. If you have any ongoing health problems or if you are sick, see your doctor more often.

If you are 18 to 39 years old:

Once a year, you should have a

• Breast exam
• Pap test (after 3 normal Pap smears, ask your doctor how often you should have it done)

Every 2 to 3 years, you should have a

• Blood pressure check
• Height and weight measurement
• Exam for cancers of the thyroid, lymph nodes, ovaries, and skin

Every 5 years, you should have a

• Cholesterol check
• Blood sugar check if you are overweight

Make sure you are up to date on your shots:

• Rubella (measles)
• Get a tetanus shot every 10 years
• Ask your doctor if you should get a flu shot every year

If you are 40 to 65 years old:

Once a year, you should have an exam for cancers of the breast, skin, thyroid, cervix, ovaries, uterus, lymph nodes, and rectum.

Every 1 to 2 years, you should have

• A height and weight measurement
• A blood pressure check
• A stool sample checked for blood if recommended by your doctor
• A mammogram (after you’re 50 years old, you should have a mammogram every year)
• An eye exam (with a check for glaucoma)

Every 1 to 3 years, you should have

• A Pap test (ask your doctor how often you should have it done)

Every 3 to 5 years, you should receive a

• Cholesterol check
• Blood sugar check

Your provider may recommend having a special test for colon cancer after age 50 every 10 years. The test is called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Make sure you are up to date on your shots.

• Get a tetanus shot every 10 years
• Get a flu shot every year if you are older than 50. If you are not 50 yet, ask your health care provider if you should get a flu shot.

If you are over 65 years old:

Every year, you should have:

• A height and weight measurement
• A blood pressure check
• A mammogram
• An exam to look for cancers of the skin, breast, thyroid, ovaries, uterus, lymph nodes, and rectum
• A stool sample checked for blood

Every 1 to 3 years, your health care provider should

• Check your blood count and blood sugar
• Check your hearing and vision (with a check for glaucoma)
• Do a Pap test if you have had abnormal results before

Your provider may recommend having a special test for colon cancer after age 50 every 10 years. The test is called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Get the shots you need:

• A flu shot every year Photo of friendly staff member
• Pneumonia shot if you have not had one before
• Tetanus shot every 10 years

All women should remember the keys to keeping healthy

• Check your breasts every month
• Get regular checkups and the shots you need
• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol when you drive, swim, or boat
• Eat many kinds of healthy foods
• Keep a healthy weight
• Exercise often
• Get your teeth checked regularly by a dentist
• Use a latex or polyurethane condom to help prevent the spread of infections you can get when you have sex

Preventative Health Care

Regular exams and check-ups with your family doctor or family physician can help find problems before they start. Preventative health care and medical care greatly improves the chances for treatment and cures. At Bestcare Family Medical Center in Garland Texas we’re providing your family with the best health care and urgent care available. We’re easy to find …Our medical offices are in Garland TX, we also serve Dallas, Mesquite, Richardson, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse and the surrounding communities. Call BestCare at 972-240-1789 to schedule an appointment today.