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Health checks for all ages -

Regular visits to the doctor should be a priority, even if you've never felt better. This way you can get screened for potential medical issues and receive an assessment for future possible medical problems.

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Melanoma and skin cancer -

Currently, there’s no recommended routine skin cancer screening for patients without symptoms. But you should screen yourself and your kids by looking for new spots, growths, changing moles, and other lesions.

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Dental health -

Poor dental health increases your risk of cavities and contributes to gum disease, which is linked to heart disease and other health issues. So practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist every six to 12 months.

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Mental health -

Important at every stage of life, our mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. Therefore, it's key to see a professional and learn the tools to take care of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

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Pregnancy planning -

Have a general checkup before planning for pregnancy. It's also important to have regular antenatal checks to monitor the baby's development.

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Health checks for teens and twenty-somethings -

Once you enter your teens and twenties, there are additional heath checks that become important as a young adult.

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HPV vaccine -

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11 or 12 years. However, it's also recommended for everyone up to age 26, if not adequately vaccinated when younger.

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Cervical screening -

People from the age of 21 who have a cervix should undergo cervical screening to detect cancer. The screening is either an HPV test or a Pap smear.

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Testicular cancer -

Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 20 to 40. It's usually found by men themselves or by their partners, and it's important to see your doctor if you notice any changes, like a hard lump.

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Thyroid screening -

Problems with the thyroid include a variety of disorders that can result in the gland producing too little or too much thyroid hormone. More common in women than in men, it typically happens between the ages of 20 and 40.

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Blood pressure -

If you're 18 to 39, with no other risk factors, then you should be screened at least every three to five years. Adults 40 and over, and those at increased risk of high blood pressure, should be screened annually.

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Cholesterol -

Adults age 20 and older should undergo cholesterol screening every five years. Those patients at risk of developing heart disease should have more frequent screenings.

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HIV -

Screening for HIV is recommended for everyone at least one time from the age of 15 and older. Repeat screening is advised for people with an increased risk of HIV infection, and with each pregnancy.

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Hepatitis C -

It's recommended that all adults get screened for hepatitis C at least once, and more often if at risk.

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Health checks for your thirties and forties -

Your thirties and forties can be the busiest years of your life. And even if you're feeling pretty good, approaching middle age can present some potential health issues. Therefore, it's recommended to check for the following problems.

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Heart disease -

Recommended for people in their forties, testing for heart diseases should be done every two years. During the exam, you'll discuss your diet, exercise, family history, and heart health risks. Your blood pressure will be checked, and your doctor will order blood and urine tests.

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Diabetes -

It's recommended that adults, age 35 and older, with a BMI greater than 25 should screen for type 2 diabetes or prediabetes every three years.

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Colorectal cancer -

In general, individuals who are 45 and older should be screened for colon cancer. If you have a family history of the disease, you may need to be screened earlier.

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Breast cancer -

All women 40 and older should start discussing breast cancer screening with their physician. Expert guidelines vary in recommendations between ages 40 and 49, so check with your doctor. Women 50 to 74 should be screened every one to two years via mammography.

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Health checks for those fifty and older -

Staying on top of annual checkups improves the chances of remaining in optimal health. And it wouldn't be any different once you enter your fifties.

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Vision impairment -

When you age, it's normal that your vision deteriorates. Therefore, it's important to get your vision checked every 12 months. The test will also pick up on other possible conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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Hearing impairment -

Your hearing is another sense that starts to deteriorate with age. If you're over 65, ask your doctor for a hearing test every 12 months.

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Bone density -

Men and women over 65 should be screened for osteoporosis or low bone density. Postmenopausal women under 65, who have risk factors, should also be screened.

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Prostate cancer -

Starting at 50, all men should get a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Men with risk factors, such as those with family history, should start the discussion at the age of 40.

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Bowel cancer -

People over 50 should get tested for bowl cancer at least every two years. Early bowel cancer can be successfully treated in 90% of cases, so it's important to not skip the checkup.

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Lung cancer -

There are some screening tests that your doctor might recommend based on your health history. For example, you may be advised a CT lung cancer screening if you're between the ages of 55 and 74 and are a current or former smoker.

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Pneumonia vaccine -

People 65 years and older are advised to take the pneumonia vaccine every five years.

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Other vaccines -

If you're over 65, then you're also advised to get pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations. Check with your physician.

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Final note -

There are age-specific tests that may not be needed every year, as well as specific tests for different genders. Understanding these tests and when to ask for them can help you stay on top of your overall health.

Sources: (Harvard Health Publishing) (The Ohio State University) (Emergency Services Health)

See also: The biggest women’s health myths

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