A Checklist for Health:
Screenings for Any Age

John Hadley, D.O.

Most Americans wouldn’t drive a car with brakes that haven’t been checked over the years. But many of us take an even greater risk when it comes to preventative healthcare screenings. Just as routine vehicle inspections help prevent serious car problems, regular health screenings can detect potential problems—at earlier, more treatable stages—and help you stay healthy.

“Even if you’re feeling well, routine screenings are important to ensure continued health,” says John Hadley, D.O., family medicine physician with West Valley Physicians and Surgeons Clinic. “That’s why it’s vital to get regular screenings to check blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as to test for common forms of cancer.”

Here’s a list of some common screenings you may want to consider.

Ages 18–39

All Adults

• Blood pressure check, every two years
• Cholesterol test, at age 20
• Dental exam, once or twice yearly
• Vision exam, if you notice problems or changes in your vision

For Women

• Pap test, yearly

Ages 40–49

All Adults

• Blood pressure check, every two years
• Cholesterol test, as recommended by your physician
• Blood sugar test at age 45, then every three years
• Vision exam, every two to four years
• Dental exam, once or twice yearly

For Women

• Pap test, every one to three years
• Mammogram, every year

Ages 50–64

All Adults

• Blood pressure check, every two years
• Cholesterol test, as recommended by your physician
• Blood sugar test, every three years
• Vision exam, every two to four years
• Dental exam, once or twice yearly
• Colorectal cancer screening, yearly

For Women

• Pap test, every one to three years
• Mammogram, every year
• Bone mineral density test, as recommended by your physician

For Men

• Discuss prostate screening with your physician

Ages 65 and older

All Adults

• Blood pressure check, every two years
• Cholesterol test, as recommended by your physician
• Blood sugar test, every three years
• Vision exam, every one to two years
• Dental exam, once or twice yearly
• Colorectal cancer screening, yearly

For Women

• Discuss Pap test with your physician
• Mammogram, every year
• Bone mineral density test, at least once after age 65

For Men

• Discuss prostate screening with your physician
• Bone mineral density test, at least once after age 65

Your Source for Health
For more ways to keep your family healthy, visit www.salemhealth.org/healthsource, our online encyclopedia of health information. The quizzes and tools in the “Interactive Tools & Resources” section are a fun way to help you maintain—or establish—healthy habits. On our site, you also can learn about various medical conditions and procedures.