Start the Year Strong with Preventive Health Screenings
Learn age-based screenings for cancer, diabetes and more
Learn age-based screenings for cancer, diabetes and more
With so many of our New Year’s resolutions being health-focused, it makes sense to add a visit to your primary care doctor to the list.
Health screenings are a cornerstone of preventive care, helping to detect issues early, manage risk factors and maintain overall well-being. The start of the new year is the perfect time to get proactive about your health and talk with your primary care physician to create a personalized screening plan tailored to your needs.
“An annual physical is a good idea,” says Kathryn McHenry, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside. “That’s a chance for us to connect with patients, review all aspects of their health, check in on their health goals, identify any early stages of a condition or disease.”
Why preventive screenings matter
General recommendations include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests and screenings for certain diseases. While specific screenings vary based on age, gender and individual health risks, some common tests include:
- Ages 21–65: Cervical cancer screenings every three to five years for women
- Ages 35 to 75: Prediabetes and diabetes screenings for adults who are overweight
- Age 40 and older: Mammograms every one to two years for women
- Age 45 and older: Colonoscopy every 10 years for adults
- Age 50 to 69: Prostate cancer screenings for men
- Age 65 and older: Osteoporosis screenings for women
Don’t forget vaccinations
Routine vaccinations, such as a flu shot and shingles and pneumonia vaccines, are also something that should be discussed at your primary care appointment.
“Starting the year off right with an annual physical sets the tone for a proactive approach to health. The beginning of the year is a nice time to reflect on the past 12 months and what worked for your health or what you’d like to change,” says Dr. McHenry.
“A big part of family medicine is prevention. Many of the tests we offer are to help prevent chronic diseases. Catching those in the early stages can make a big difference, helping you live a longer, healthier life.”
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.