Below are screening guidelines we recommend for your overall health and wellness. Keep in mind that because each person is different these guidelines may need to be individualized for you.

General physical examination with lab work and review of risk factors

Ages 18- 39: every 2-3 years

Ages 40-49: every 1-2 years

Age 50 and older: every year

EKG (electrocardiogram)

Beginning at age 40, then every 4-5 years

Colonoscopy

Begin at age 50, frequency is based on findings

Begin sooner if a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer

Eye exam and Glaucoma check

Begin at age 40, then every 2 years

Skin self-exam

All adults: each month

Recommended Vaccines

Tetanus (to prevent lockjaw from dirt wounds)

A single booster with pertussis (whooping cough) 5 years from last tetanus booster, then every 10 years 

Pneumovax (to prevent the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia)

A single dose recommended for all people over 65

Certain people need an earlier dose (smokers, diabetics, those for asthma or heart disease, etc.)

Zostavax (to prevent shingles)

A single dose recommended for all people over age 60 

Influenza (flu shot)

Recommend each year for all adults but especially for those with diabetes, lung problems, heart problems and those over age 50

Hepatitis A (to prevent acute hepatitis)

Two doses recommended for people travelling to areas with higher rates of hepatitis A, people with liver disease, people who use illegal drugs, men who have sex with men

Hepatitis B (to prevent a chronic form of hepatitis)

Three doses recommended healthcare personnel, IV drug users, people with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men

HPV vaccine (to prevent cervical cancer)

Three doses recommended for all females between the ages of 11-26, younger is better

Helpful Links

     • WebMD

     • American College of Physicians