Love Your Body

When it comes to getting a full check-up, consult with your doctor about when and how frequently to take these tests.

• Thyroid test (TSH) – Begin at age 35, then every 5 years after.
• Blood Pressure test- From age 18 on, at least every 2 years
• Cholesterol- After age 20, if you have high risks discuss with your doctor when to have this checked. Have it regularly checked after the age of 45.
• Bone mineral Density test- After age 40 you can begin discussing with your doctor if you need this test. Age 65 and older; have this test done at least once.
• Diabetes (blood glucose test)- Age 45, then every three years
• Mammogram- From age 40 on, every 1-2 years.
• Papa test and Pelvic exam- From age 21 on, or once you become sexually active, every 1-3 years.
• Chlamydia test- If you are sexually active, annually until age 25. If you are pregnant have this done. Older than 25, get tested if you have new or multiple partners.
• STDs (including HIV)- You and your partner should be tested before having intercourse, this goes for all ages.
• Fecal Occult Blood test- After age 50, annually.
• Flexible Sigmoid-oscopy- After age 50, every 5 years (preferably done with above test).
• Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)- After 50, every 5-10 years
• Colonoscopy- After 50, every 10 years.
• Rectal exam- After 50, every 5-10 years. This should be done along with sigmoid-oscopy, DCBE, or colonoscopy.
• Eye Exam- If your vision is problematic, have at least one exam in your 20s and at least 2 in your 30s. Age 40-64, every 2-4 years. After age 65, every 1-2 years.
• Hearing test- At age 18, then every 10 years. From age 50 on, every 3 years.
• Mole exam- At age 20, then every 3 years. From age 40 on, every year.
• Dental exam- From 18 on, one to two times a year.
• Immunizations:
• Meningococcal- Discuss with your doctor.
• Tetanus- 18 and on, every 10 years.
• HPV- Discuss with your doctor.
• Pneumococcal- once after age 65.
• Influenza- Discuss with your doctor. After age 50, annually.

This guideline is just that, a guideline. All information was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Don’t forget, of course, to keep doing monthly breast and mole examinations. If you don’t do this already, you should start! Also, if you notice anything strange, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Remember ladies, being healthy is not just about seeing your doctor regularly; it’s also about lifestyle choices. So, don’t smoke (especially if you're on birth control), eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly!