Nov
Health & Wellness, Trends & Opinions
What Health and Wellness Screenings Should I Be Doing?
It’s easy to feel invincible when life gets busy. But when it comes to our health, waiting until something goes wrong is a risk we just can’t afford to take. Preventive health screenings are essential—they help detect potential health problems before they become life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 8% of American adults get all the recommended preventive services. That means millions of people miss out on early detection, which can make a huge difference. Let’s change that!
Our bodies work hard to keep us going every day. But like any high-performing system, they need regular checkups to ensure everything is running smoothly. Whether you’re 25 or 65, certain health and wellness screenings are essential to protect your well-being. By staying on top of these, you can prevent health issues and ensure that your body is functioning at its best.
Age Isn’t Just a Number—It’s a Health Indicator
Age plays a crucial role in determining which screenings you need. But don’t wait until you feel something is wrong. Often, by the time symptoms appear, conditions like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes may have progressed. That’s why staying proactive is key. The screenings you need may vary depending on your age, gender, and family history, but the goal is the same: early detection.
For instance, in your 20s and 30s, you might focus on general health screenings, but by your 40s and beyond, screenings for more specific conditions—like cardiovascular disease or cancer—become more important. Even if you’re feeling great, these tests are vital for catching issues before they escalate.
General Health Screenings Everyone Needs
While some screenings are tailored to specific age groups, there are several that everyone should have regularly, regardless of age. These tests provide a snapshot of your overall health and help spot potential problems early.
A blood pressure check is a must. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it often presents no symptoms. Regular monitoring ensures you catch any dangerous changes early. Adults should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Another key test is a cholesterol screening. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, yet many people don’t realize they have it. Adults should have this test every 4 to 6 years unless they have other risk factors like a family history of heart disease.
Everyone should also have a diabetes screening at least once every three years after age 45, or more frequently if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly, and early detection can prevent serious complications.
A body mass index (BMI) check is often overlooked, but it’s an important indicator of your overall health. Your BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, and it’s a useful tool for understanding if you’re at risk for health issues like heart disease or diabetes.
Women: Specific Screenings You Should Be Doing
Women’s health screenings can be lifesaving, especially when it comes to reproductive and breast health.
One of the most important is the Pap smear—a test that detects cervical cancer. Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a Pap smear every three years. This test is quick, painless, and essential for preventing cervical cancer. As you age, this test may be combined with an HPV screening, which detects the virus that causes most cervical cancers.
Another critical screening for women is a mammogram. This test checks for breast cancer and is typically recommended every two years for women aged 50 to 74. However, those with a family history of breast cancer may need to start earlier. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Women should also have a bone density test starting at age 65, or earlier if there’s a family history of osteoporosis. As we age, our bones can become brittle and more prone to fractures. This screening helps detect early signs of bone loss and allows for preventive measures to be taken.
Men: What Should Be on Your Health Radar
Men have their own unique set of health screenings that are vital for long-term health.
A prostate cancer screening is one of the most important tests men should consider, especially as they age. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and early detection can make all the difference. Men over 50 should discuss this test with their doctor, especially if there’s a family history of prostate cancer.
Men should also be aware of the importance of testicular cancer screening. Although testicular cancer is rare, it tends to affect younger men between the ages of 15 and 35. Regular self-exams can help detect changes, and it’s important to report any lumps or unusual symptoms to a doctor immediately.
Lastly, men should be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm if they are aged 65 to 75 and have ever smoked. This serious condition can be life-threatening, and the screening helps catch it before it becomes a major issue.
Screenings for Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women. But the good news? Heart disease is often preventable with early intervention. Several key screenings can help assess your risk.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be recommended if you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. This test measures the electrical activity of your heart and can detect irregularities.
A coronary calcium scan is another tool that can help assess heart disease risk. This test detects calcified plaque in your arteries, which can indicate a higher risk for heart attacks. If you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about whether this screening is right for you.
Colon Cancer Screening: A Vital Step for Everyone
Colon cancer screenings are crucial for both men and women, typically beginning at age 45. The most common screening is a colonoscopy, which can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, and in some cases, can even prevent cancer from developing altogether.
For those wary of a colonoscopy, there are less invasive options, such as stool-based tests that check for signs of cancer. However, if these tests find anything abnormal, a colonoscopy may still be needed.
Vision and Hearing: Don’t Overlook Your Senses
Our eyes and ears often don’t get the attention they deserve. But as we age, regular screenings are essential to maintaining good vision and hearing.
Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, even if they don’t wear glasses. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can develop without symptoms but can lead to serious vision loss if not treated early.
Hearing screenings are also important. Age-related hearing loss is common, but many people don’t realize their hearing has declined until it becomes severe. If you’re over 50, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked regularly.
Mental Health Matters Too
Physical health isn’t the only thing that needs regular check-ins. Mental health screenings are just as important. Conditions like depression and anxiety can have a significant impact on your quality of life, yet many people don’t seek help. A mental health screening, often done through a simple questionnaire, can identify signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
If you’re feeling persistently down, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there’s no shame in seeking support when you need it.
Prevention is Power
Health screenings are not just for the sick—they’re for everyone. By staying on top of these tests, you give yourself the best chance at catching problems early and preventing them from getting worse. It’s easy to feel like we’re too busy or too healthy to worry about these things, but in reality, health screenings are one of the best investments we can make in our long-term well-being.
No one likes to think about the possibility of being unwell, but the sooner we take control of our health, the better off we’ll be. So, schedule that appointment today—you owe it to yourself!
