Age-Based Health Screening Guidelines
Early detection and preventive care are crucial components of healthy living. Health professionals recommend the following age-specific health screenings that can serve as a preventive care guideline.
Ages 40 to 64:
• Zoster (Shingles) vaccine: Two doses of this vaccine can be administered starting at age 50 and up.
• Colorectal screening: A colonoscopy to detect any colorectal illnesses is recommended beginning at age 50.
• Prostate screening: Prostate screenings begin at age 50. High-risk individuals can have screenings beginning at age 40.
• Osteoporosis: Doctors may recommend a bone density test and osteoporosis screening at age 50 and up.
• Lung cancer screening: If you are a past or current smoker, it’s wise to have an annual lung cancer screening. Adults 55 and up can have this screening covered by health insurance.
• Mammogram: Women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40.
65 years and older:
• Cervical cancer: Most women can stop getting Pap tests at this age if they have no history of cervicalcancer.Womenwhohave hadahysterectomymaynolonger need pelvic exams after age 65.
• Pneumococcal and pneumonia vaccines: These are recommended every five years for certain conditions and risk factors.
• Cognitive health: Doctors may assess your cognitive health to see if there are any risk factors for dementia.
In addition, doctors may conduct annual depression screenings to assess mental health. Routine blood glucose monitoring may be necessary based on risk factors for diabetes.
—MetroCreativeConnection
