Preventive Care Advice

In addition to Cancer Screening Guidelines, the following preventive care services are recommended for adults:

Blood work for cholesterol and fasting glucose should be done every three to five years (more frequently if in a higher risk category or if labs showed prior abnormality)
Blood pressure should be checked at every medical visit.
Bone Density tests should be done in women as a baseline at menopause and then every three years if normal. If the patient is at a higher risk category for osteoporosis or if the prior bone densities show osteopenia (thinning of the bone) or osteoporosis, then every 1-2 years is recommended.
Dental exams should be done one to two times per year to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Vision should be checked every 3-5 years under age 40 and every 2-4 years between ages 40-65. After age 65, yearly eye exams are recommended. If you have diabetes, you should get yearly eye exams regardless of your age. Glaucoma checks should be done yearly starting at age 65. If there is a family history of glaucoma or you are in a higher risk category such as with African-Americans, you should start getting yearly glaucoma checks at age 50.
Check with your doctor at each yearly exam, to see that you are up to date on adult vaccinations.