Primary Care

Use this chart...

to help guide your checkups with your healthcare provider. This information was compiled from recommendations made by various healthcare organizations and generally applies to healthy individuals without a specific disease or additional risk factors.

Talk with your physician...

to discuss and understand your personal health guidelines, because recommendations can vary depending on your situation. Your discussion should include a personal or family history of heart disease or stroke, cancer, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and other important medical conditions.

The Facts about Osteoporosis

Approximately 70% of fractures in individuals aged 45 years and older are related to osteoporosis, also known as thinning of the bones. Key risk factors for osteoporosis include being a woman, age, early onset of menopause, smoking, low dietary intake of calcium, and Caucasian or Asian ancestry. At first, osteoporosis may be present without causing symptoms, so discuss your risk profile with your physician. Steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis include engaging in weight bearing exercise (such as walking), consuming at least 1500 mg of calcium per day, and avoiding associated risk factors.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. Approximately 131,000 new cases are expected in the United States this year. Key risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colon cancer, and individuals with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis). The American College of Gastroenterology now recommends either a total colon exam by colonoscopy every ten years, or annual stool blood tests and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. Talk to your physician about your risk factors and screening options.  

Test

Recommended Frequency

Blood Pressure

At least every 1-2 years

Cholesterol

At least once every 5 years

Immunizations

Tetanus-diphtheria: Every 10 years
Influenza: Annually

Clinical Breast Exam

Annual exam by healthcare provider
Monthly self-exam

Mammography

Annually

Pelvic Exam / PAP Smear

Every 1-3 years

Colon Cancer Screening

Annual stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

OR Colonoscopy every 10 years

Diabetes Screening

Every 3 years or per healthcare provider

Eye Exam

Every 2-4 years as indicated