Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about health checks for adults
As adults, we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and may forget to prioritise our own health. However, regular checkups are essential for identifying potential health issues early on and maintaining overall well-being.
Table of Contents
Here are nine checkups that adults should remember to schedule:
Physical examination:
A general physical examination is a routine checkup that involves a thorough evaluation of your overall health. Your doctor will assess your vital signs, perform a physical exam, and review your medical history. This checkup is important for identifying any potential health issues and for maintaining good overall health.
Dental checkup:
Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. During a dental checkup, your dentist will clean your teeth, check for cavities and gum disease, and perform an oral cancer screening. Dental checkups should be scheduled at least twice a year.
Eye exam:
Eye exams are important for detecting vision problems and eye diseases. During an eye exam, your eye doctor will check your vision, assess the health of your eyes, and prescribe glasses or contacts if needed. Adults should have their eyes checked at least once every two years.
Mammogram:
Mammograms are an important screening tool for detecting breast cancer in women. Women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every two years, while women between the ages of 45 and 54 should discuss their risk factors with their doctor to determine the appropriate screening schedule.
Pap smear:
Pap smears are used to screen for cervical cancer in women. Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a Pap smear every three years. Cervical cancer is treatable and with the right lifestyle changes and behaviour it might also be preventable.
Prostate exam:
Men over the age of 50 should discuss the need for a prostate exam with their doctor. Prostate exams are used to screen for prostate cancer and involve a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Remember that you can also invest in a prostate cancer test kit which gives you the options to test at home.
Colorectal cancer screening:
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Adults over the age of 50 should have a colonoscopy every 10 years or a stool-based test every year to screen for colorectal cancer.
Skin cancer screening:
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Adults should perform self-exams every month and see a dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body skin cancer screening.
Cholesterol check:
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Change is possible with a few adjustments to your diet.
In Closing: Health Checks For Adults
In addition to these annual checkups, it’s important to see a doctor if you have any unusual symptoms or concerns about your health. By prioritising your health and scheduling regular checkups, you can catch potential issues early on and maintain good overall health.