Better health starts with annual medical exams
by Marisela Andrade-Krasiewski, MPA
It seems that there is rarely any time to check off all the “to do’s” on your list, but there is one must do that many of us rarely think about, much less make time to do — yearly medical checkups.
Unfortunately, aside from busy schedules, there may be a lack of knowledge regarding when and what annual checkups to get, at what age and how often. It can be overwhelming, confusing and exhausting — especially if you have a family of annual checkups to figure out and schedule.
The checkup process is easy for newborns because your doctor will let you know when the baby will need to be seen from the age of two to four months. From this point on, as directed by your physician, the baby should be seen again at six months, nine months and after the baby’s first birthday. During your child’s second year, there should be a 15-month doctor visit, an 18-month checkup, and finally a 2-year exam, which will include a full schedule of immunizations. But what happens after that? Well, we hope this guide will help you.
Ages 11-18 years
At this age, children grow quickly and their bodies are developing at a very fast rate. It is recommended that your child receive an annual checkup to help detect any abnormalities or problems and to ensure that he or she is developing and growing normally.
This routine checkup is a good opportunity for your family doctor to review and provide any needed immunizations, as well as to check your child’s academic and social relationships and determine your child’s mental health status. Don’t be surprised if you, the parent, are asked to leave the examining room. During the checkup, most doctors like to spend some time alone with the young patient so that he or she will begin to feel comfortable talking to a health professional about any personal or health issues that your child/teen may be experiencing.
Confidentiality between the doctor and your child will be clarified at the onset of your visit, and what is discussed privately will most likely be confidential, with few exceptions. During this health exam, you can expect that your child/teen’s height, weight, body mass index and blood pressure will be measured and his or her eyes and vision will be assessed.
The doctor will most likely note signs of acne or potential problematic moles. It is not unusual for the health professional to discuss proper diet and exercise among other relevant health concerns. Blood tests are not common, but they may be done at your doctor’s discretion.
Your child/teen should visit the dentist two times per year for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. At this age, many parents discover that their child/teen is in need of orthodontic services. By the time the child turns 13, he or she should be very comfortable flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste regularly.
By the time your child/teen reaches age 12
he or she should:
• Floss teeth daily.
• Brush teeth after meals if possible, or a minimum of two times per day.
• Use a toothbrush that has soft to medium bristles.
• Bathe daily.
• Use a deodorant soap and antiperspirant.
• Wash/shampoo and condition hair regularly.
Adults
No matter your age, dental visits should be done a minimum of once per year (two times per year for those under 18 or above the age of 55.) Your dentist’s office will usually schedule these appointments for you upon your visit, and you will be reminded of your next visit as determined by your dentist. The important thing is to have a dentist with whom you feel comfortable and who is responsive to your needs.
The main reason for a health checkup is to prevent illness or to catch any disease at an early stage. For adults, beginning at age 19 through age 40, a health checkup every year or two is appropriate. However, if you have a history of illness or disease, more frequent checkups may be required by your doctor.
Inform your doctor about your diet and exercise habits. It is equally important to let your doctor know the medications you are taking, tobacco and alcohol use and your sexual behavior. Be sure to alert your doctor of your family history. This will help determine the types of tests that your doctor will give you. Remember to keep track of your tetanus boosters. You should get them every 10 years.
Ages 40 – 49 annual checkups
• Physical examination every year, including blood pressure, height and weight.
• Blood work is necessary to rule out any blood-related illness and to determine glucose levels to detect the onset of diabetes, thyroid function, kidney problems and cholesterol levels.
• Chest X-ray.
• Skin exam to detect precancerous moles or lesions, sun damage or adult acne.
• Counseling on diet and exercise, alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
• Counseling on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) — baseline screening to determine heart damage, abnormal rhythms or an enlarged heart.
• Fecal occult blood test should be done annually to detect colorectal cancer (every five years after the age of 40).
Males should receive:
• Cancer screening for prostate, colon and testicular cancer.
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) exam.
• Counseling for monthly testicular self- examination.
Females should receive:
• Annual mammogram.
• Monthly breast self-examinations exams (BSE).
• Pap smears (after you have had three normal annual pap smears, ask your health provider how often you should have them done.)
• Bone mass density tests for women who are at a high risk of osteoporosis.
Ages 50 – 64 annual checkups
As noted above, a comprehensive physical examination with everything listed should be conducted yearly. Additionally, a urinalysis should be part of this exam. For this age group, the following should be included:
• Hearing screening (every two years) beginning at the age of 50.
• Examination of the mouth and tissues inside the mouth every year for smokers, as part of the physical examination (screening for oral cancer).
• Fasting blood sugar every year.
Males should receive:
• One of the following screening options for colorectal cancer:
• Fecal occult blood test (annually) and a sigmoidoscopy should be conducted (every five years).
• Barium enema (every five to 10 years).
• Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination yearly.
• Thyroid stimulating hormone after age 60.
• Cholesterol check (every three to five years).
Females should receive:
• Cholesterol check (every three to five years).
• Screening for colon cancer (every five to 10 years) depending on the test results for fecal occult-blood test.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years).
• Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
It becomes increasingly important for women and men to maintain their eyesight health by getting yearly exams that include testing for glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases.
It is equally important to maintain good dental hygiene by continuing to get yearly dental exams, X-rays and thorough cleanings.
Ages 65 and over checkups
Annual health checkups become increasingly important upon reaching the age of 65. All exams, as noted above, should be conducted yearly or as noted.
Males should receive:
• Cholesterol screening done annually to check for cardiovascular disease.
• Fasting blood sugar (every year) to screen for diabetes.
• As indicated above, the male-specific screenings and tests apply every five to 10 years.
Females should receive:
• Thyroid hormone check (every one to three years).
• Screening for colon cancer (every five to 10 years).
• Fecal occult-blood test annually.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years).
• Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
These are conservative guidelines from the University of Michigan Health Science Center Clinical Care Guidelines Committee, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please consult with your family physician.
Remember to take an active approach when it comes to your health by being consistent with your annual health checkups. Remember that the keys to good health include eating a variety of fruits and vegetables daily along with foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. If you are not currently involved in an exercise program, you can begin by exercising three to four times per week for 30 minutes.
Marcy Andrade-Krasiewski is the media and community liaison for Steps-SA, a program of the San Antonio Metro Health District. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of Steps to a HealthierUS, a national program focusing on the prevention of diabetes, obesity and asthma and addressing related risk factors — poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use and exposure.
