Schedule Your Health Check-up

As summer comes to an end, now is a great time to plan an annual physical with your doctor.

“Receiving a routine physical is essential to maintaining positive long-term health,” says Adrian Dyer, MD – a family medicine doctor with Adventist Medical Group. Other preventive health checks to ask your doctor about during your physical include:

ANNUAL FLU SHOT

Getting your flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu. While you are there, ask your physician about other vaccinations you or your family may need. “Infants can start getting the flu shot at 6 months of age” says Dr. Dyer.

HEART HEALTH

Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index are important measures of heart health. These factors also help determine your potential risk for developing diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and other health conditions.

COLORECTAL SCREENING

The recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer is 45. Examples of common screenings include colonoscopies and stool DNA tests. There is no single recommended test for each person, so talk to your doctor about which screening is right for you.

JUST FOR WOMEN

Well-woman exams are recommended yearly and assess your reproductive health. Your physician may ask about your menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and address other issues specific to women’s health.

Annual mammograms are recommended for all women over the age of 40. If you are at increased risk for breast cancer based on family history or genetics, talk with your physician about other screening tools.

JUST FOR MEN

Talk with your doctor to see if prostate cancer screening is right for you. If you have other risk factors related to family history, race, or lifestyle, your doctor may suggest earlier screening.