Check up on Checkups Most healthy adults don’t visit a doctor unless they are sick or injured. You should, however, have some appointments regularly even if you aren’t sick to keep your health on track as you age and allow your physicians to address minor concerns before they become big. Primary Care Physician (PCP) Getting an annual checkup, including bloodwork, can help your doctor spot issues early on. Untreated conditions can lead to more serious problems. Your primary care physician can also suggest ways to prevent illnesses and may offer adult vaccinations. Dermatologists – Having a full-body skin check to look for signs of cancer, such as moles with odd shapes, can improve the odds of successful treatment. This is especially important for those with a family history of skin cancer. Dentist – Regular dental cleaning and checkups are recommended every 6 months. Ophthalmologist – Eye disease and vision change often begin in middle age. Everyone should have a complete eye exam around the age of 40. If you have vision issues earlier, annual eye exams are important. Certain appointments become more important as you age: • For women, an annual mammogram screening for breast cancer. • For men, an annual rectal exam/PSA blood test screening for prostate cancer. • A colonoscopy helps detect colorectal cancer and removes polyps and tumors. If no sign of cancer, you can usually wait 10 years before getting another. • Annual lung screenings are recommended for smokers, former smokers and other high-risk individuals. Your PCP can decide if you need to have earlier or more frequent appointments based upon your family history and other risk factors.
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