General Health Screening Recommendations
Adults

Abdominal aortic aneurysm:  One time screening by ultrasound for AAA in men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked; if you have a family history of AAA, talk to your health care provider about screening.*

Blood pressure:  Initial evaluation at age 18 and then at least every 2 years, more often if measurements are borderline.*

Breast cancer:  Have a mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 50;* if family history of breast cancer, check with your health care provider as to screening/diagnostic testing.

Cervical cancer:  Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have ever been sexually active and/or between the ages of 21 and 65.* Check with your health care provider as to frequency of exams.

Cholesterol:  Initial evaluation at 35 years of age for men, 45 years of age for women.  If at risk, age 20 recommended for first evaluation. Monitor every five years; more frequent measurements may be needed if levels are borderline or with medication changes.^*

Colorectal cancer:  Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.  If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened sooner; your health care provider can help you decide which test and when.*

Dental:  Adults should be seen for routine dental care, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene at least once every year, preferably every 6 months.>

Depression:  If you have felt “down”, sad or hopeless over the past 2 weeks or have little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed; talk to your health care provider about being screened for depression.*

Diabetes:  Have a screening test to detect pre-diabetes or diabetes if ≥ 45 years of age and/or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 or have high blood pressure >135/80 or high cholesterol.+*

Immunizations:  See Adult Immunization Schedule in health library.

Obesity:  Have your BMI calculated to screen for obesity.*

Osteoporosis: Have a bone density test beginning at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis; if you are between the ages of 60-64 and weigh < 154 lbs., talk to your health care provider about being tested.*

Prostate cancer:  Talk to your health care provider as to when to have a digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.*

Skin cancer:  A skin exam should be part of a routine cancer-related health examination.~

* Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, United States Dept. of Health and Human Services 2010.
^National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP III, 2001.
+American Diabetes Association, 2006.
> American Dental Association.
~ American Cancer Society, 2005.

Lifestyle/Safety Guidelines
As recommended by the U.S. Preventative Task Force

Alcohol:  Your health care provider should regularly screen for alcohol use and misuse and advise behavior counseling interventions as necessary.  Women should not have more than 1 drink per day and men no more than 2 drinks per day.  Pregnant women should avoid alcohol.  Excessive drinking and driving is unlawful.

Fire:  Smoke detectors are effective in preventing deaths in residential fires.  Correct installation and periodic testing are necessary to ensure proper operation.  Never leave burning candles unattended.  A fire extinguisher should be present in the home.

Firearms:  If you own a firearm, the National Rifle Association recommends attending a firearm safety program in effort to reduce unnecessary accidents.  Weapons should be stored unloaded and locked up.

Injury prevention:  Any individual riding a bicycle, ATV, or other motorized vehicle that leaves you exposed should wear a helmet.

Seatbelts:  It is the law to wear your seatbelt in Illinois.

Smoking:  Cigarette smoking is a leading cause for fire and burn injuries in adults.  It is the number one cause for lung cancer and a major risk factor for heart disease.  If you smoke, QUIT.  If you do not smoke, abstinence is the key.  Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.

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