2) How often should I get routine screenings and vaccinations?
October 8, 1944 – Part 2 – Some of Dad’s favorite quotes
October 8, 2024I enjoy penning a bi-monthly column for the readers of Today’s Christian Living magazine. Here is the link to the most recent issue, July 2024. My column, “Understanding Your Health: Six Questions to Review with Your Family Physician“ is on pages 14-15. Below is the second question of the six in this seven-part series.
2. How often should I get routine screenings and vaccinations?
Routine screenings and vaccinations are vital for early detection and prevention of diseases.
The frequency of these depends on factors like age, gender, and personal health history.
Generally, adults should have a yearly physical exam to monitor their health.
Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol (a lipid profile), and diabetes (a fasting blood sugar and/or A1C test) should be performed regularly, typically every 1-5 years, depending on your risk factors.
Cancer screenings like mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies have specific guidelines based on age and risk.
Vaccinations should be updated according to recommended schedules; for instance, the flu vaccine is recommended annually (as I suspect COVID vaccines will be also), while other vaccines might be required every few years or as per specific guidelines.
Discuss with your physician to determine the appropriate schedule based on your individual health profile.
You can also find a “One-Page Adult Preventive Health Care Schedule: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations at a Glance” here.
Here are the six questions in this series and a link to some resources for you to consider:
Understanding Your Health: Six Questions to Review with Your Family Physician“
- Oct 2: What are the key factors influencing my overall health?
- Oct 9: How often should I get routine screenings and vaccinations?
- Oct 16: What should I do if I’m experiencing persistent fatigue or stress?
- Oct 23: How can I manage stress effectively?
- Oct 30: What is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, and how can I achieve it?
- Nov 6: How can I improve my sleep quality?
- Nov 13: More Resources for your Health
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024. This blog provides healthcare tips and advice that you can trust about a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.
