Another way to protect your health is to detect an illness early, while it is still easy to treat. You can do this in two ways: by getting periodic medical exams from health professionals and by becoming a good observer of your own body and health.
Periodic Medical Exams
Many doctors used to recommend a complete physical every year. Now, most doctors recommend specific medical exams based on age, sex, and risk factors. These exams are more effective than the annual physical in detecting treatable illness.
The schedule of medical exams helps you decide which tests are valuable for you and how often you should have them.
The Tests for Early Detection Chart includes specific recommendations for adults age 19 and older. The chart is based on the Report of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Other organizations may make different recommendations. The most appropriate schedule of preventive exams is one you and your doctor agree upon, based on your health conditions, values, and risk factors.
The recommendations apply to people of average risk in each age category. You may be at higher risk for certain diseases. Family history (whether your relatives have or had the disease), other health problems, or behaviors such as smoking all increase your risk. Talk with your doctor about whether you need more frequent exams.
Periodic self-exams are also an important part of staying healthy.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a screening test for precancerous polyps and cancers of the colon and rectum. The sigmoidoscope is a flexible viewing instrument that is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower bowel. The exam takes about 10 to 15 minutes, is only mildly uncomfortable, and is very safe.
Having flexible sigmoidoscopy exams reduces your risk of dying from colorectal cancer. Most experts recommend that you have a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam around age 50. After the first exam, they disagree about how often you should have repeat exams. Recommenda-tions range from every three years to every 10 years or less often. In addition to screening, doctors sometimes wish to examine the colon to check for the cause of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or constipation.
Other Recommended Tests and Exams
Infants
Well-baby visits are recommended at two weeks and at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule. Babies at high risk for hearing problems may be tested during this time.
Children Age 2 to 5
Discuss the frequency of visits with your health professional. A vision test is recommended at age three to four. Some childhood immunizations are also given at this age.
Regular blood pressure checks are recommended after age three and may be done during visits for other reasons.
Children Age 6 to 18
Discuss the frequency of visits with your health professional. A tetanus booster is recommended at age 15. Annual blood pressure checks are recommended and may be done during any visit.
Pap tests are recommended starting at age 18 or before age 18 if a female is sexually active.
Pregnant Women
Discuss the frequency of visits and testing with your doctor. During the first prenatal visit, blood tests, urinalysis, blood pressure, and screening for hepatitis B are recommended. Additional tests are needed during the pregnancy.
†Experts are uncertain of the effectiveness of routine testing for this age group.‡Experts are uncertain about approaches for people who have a family history of particular diseases, and for other higher-risk groups. If you have a family history of cancer or heart disease in close relatives, discuss it with your doctor.
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