The Benefit of Annual Checkups

We tend to slip into a pattern and forget about the little signs that might be signaling a change in your body, it’s human nature to enjoy routine. It is difficult to convince ourselves to go to the doctor when we feel fine. For most people, a routine checkup brings visions of things in ears and stethoscopes on your chest and back. The overall benefit to a simple blood pressure test can be elusive to your average working person. More than anything, it is difficult to justify the time it takes to make and go to an appointment, let alone keep track of annual checkups. There just aren’t enough hours in a day.

It is so easy to contribute shortness of breath and fatigue when going up stairs to the donut you had for breakfast. However, it could be sign that you have high blood pressure. Whether you like it or not, your body changes as you age. Little things should not be taken for granted and take responsibility for your health.

To help keep track, there are specific screenings you should have at annual checkups and listen to your doctor when those times arrive. Find your age in the chart and see what you have not had checked yet!

Men’s Health Screening – ages 18 to 39

• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Immunizations
• Infectious Disease

Men’s Health Screening – ages 40 to 64

• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Diabetes Screening
• Colon Cancer Screening
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Immunizations – possible shingles & pneumonia
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Prostate Cancer Screening

Men’s Health Screening – ages 65 & Older

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Colon Cancer Screening
• Diabetes Screening
• Immunizations – possible shingles & pneumonia
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Hearing Test
• Prostate Cancer Screening

Women’s Health Screening – ages 18 to 39

• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Immunizations
• Infectious Disease
• Pap test every 3 years at 21+

Women’s Health Screening – ages 40 to 64

• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Diabetes Screening
• Cervical Cancer Screening (every 5 years)
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Immunizations – possible shingles & pneumonia
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Colorectal Cancer Screening

Women’s Health Screening – ages 65 & Older

• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Diabetes Screening
• Immunizations – possible shingles & pneumonia
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Dental & Eye Exam
• Hearing Test

It is important that you take care of yourself. So, skip the donut for breakfast and talk openly with your doctor about your health. Be proactive and ask your doctor how often you should be tested and about your annual checkups as everyone may be different. Be sure to take your family history into consideration as this plays into your future as well. Finally, check with your company about benefits that are offered. Many employers are taking a more active role in their employees’ health and offer incentives. Keep yourself healthy. Regular check-ups will help provide that feeling of well-being as opposed to a false sense of security.