Periodic Health Checkups
Periodic Health Checkups
Your doctor will recommend that you have a physical examination and certain screening tests periodically, depending on your age and health history. The following are the most common tests recommended.
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
Test | Men at Average Risk | Men at High Risk |
---|---|---|
Eye | Every two years if you have vision problems | Once a year |
Dental | Every six months | As recommended by your dentist |
Blood Pressure | Every 2 1/2 years beginning at age 20 | Once a year |
Colon and Rectum | Not needed | Once a year after age 20 |
Physical | Twice in your 20s | Twice in your 20s |
Tests Recommended in Men 30 to 50 Years Old
Test | Men at Average Risk | Men at High Risk |
---|---|---|
Eye | Every two years if you have vision problems; otherwise starting at age 40 | Once a year |
Dental | Every six months | As recommended by your dentist |
Blood Pressure | Every 2 1/2 years | Once a year |
Cholesterol | Every five years if normal | As recommended by your doctor |
Colon and Rectum | Rectal examination and fecal occult blood test once a year | As recommended by your doctor |
Prostate | Not needed | Once a year beginning at age 45 if you are African American or if you are a white male with a family history of prostate cancer |
Physical | Every one to five years | Every one to five years |
Tests Recommended in Men Older Than 50 Years
Test | Men at Average Risk | Men at High Risk |
---|---|---|
Eye | Every year | At least once a year |
Dental | Every six months | As recommended by your dentist |
Blood Pressure | Once a year | As recommended by your doctor |
Cholesterol | Every five years if normal | As recommended by your doctor |
Colon and Rectum | Rectal examination and fecal occult blood test once a year; sigmoidoscopy every three to five years; colonoscopy every 10 years | Same as for men at average risk or as recommended by your doctor |
Prostate | Once a year | Once a year |
Physical | Every one to two years to age 65; once a year after age 65 | Same as for men at average risk |
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.
BestCare Services
Aches & Pains
As people age, they often experience varying kinds of aches and pains, from headaches to acid reflux.
Asthma
Asthma affects 3 percent to 7 percent of adults 60 and older, and is even more common in children.
Checkups
Medical checkups, annual physicals, school physicals. Wellness physicals. Well-woman exams.
Children’s Health
For 25 years, Bestcare has treated children of all ages. We’re both medical professionals and parents.
Diabetes
Dr. Carlson can teach you helpful tips and practical ways to control or prevent the disease.
General Illnesses
We test to diagnose sniffles, sore throat and coughs using our own lab facilities right on premises.
Heart Health
Heart disease is often avoidable. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated.
Obesity
Obesity is a medical problem that we can help you overcome. Dr. Carlson can help you with a customized plan.
Quit Smoking
We can help smokers quit with medications that work. Feel better right away and enjoy better health.
Sexual Health
We provide discreet treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Wellness Exams
If you’re 65 or over, Medicare requires an Annual Wellness Visit for a customized health care plan.
Women’s Health
Mammograms, pregnancy testing, pap smears, and more to protect women’s health.
BestCare Services
Aches & Pains
As people age, they often experience varying kinds of aches and pains, from headaches to acid reflux.
Asthma
Asthma affects 3 percent to 7 percent of adults 60 and older, and is even more common in children.
Checkups
Medical checkups, annual physicals, school physicals. Wellness physicals. Well-woman exams.
Children’s Health
For 25 years, Bestcare has treated children of all ages. We’re both medical professionals and parents.
Diabetes
Dr. Carlson can teach you helpful tips and practical ways to control or prevent the disease.
General Illnesses
We test to diagnose sniffles, sore throat and coughs using our own lab facilities right on premises.
Heart Health
Heart disease is often avoidable. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated.
Obesity
Obesity is a medical problem that we can help you overcome. Dr. Carlson can help you with a customized plan.
Quit Smoking
We can help smokers quit with medications that work. Feel better right away and enjoy better health.
Wellness Exams
If you’re 65 or over, Medicare requires an Annual Wellness Visit for a customized health care plan.
Women’s Health
Mammograms, pregnancy testing, pap smears, and more to protect women’s health.