It’s time to take charge of your health! Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them. This article was first published at cdc.gov
It’s time to take charge of your health! Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.
Below are resources to help you and your health care provider determine what health services and screenings are best for you.
Why are Check-Ups Important?
Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need healthcare.
Where Can I Go for Health Services?
The best place to go for health services is your regular health care provider. However, if you do not have one, the links below provide other options.
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests. Find out if you qualify.
What Health Services are Recommended?
The links below provide information about important exams, screenings, and vaccinations.
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
- Cholesterol
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- High Blood Pressure
- Immunization Schedules
- Oral Health for Adults
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Skin Cancer: Basic Information
- HIV/AIDS
- Viral Hepatitis
How Can I Prepare for My Appointment?
The links below provide tools to help you prepare for your next appointment.
- Check-Up Checklist: Things to Do Before Your Next Check-Up
- Family History: Tools and Resources
- Women’s Preventive Services: Required Health Plan Coverage Guidelines (AHRQ)
Encouraging Others
You may also want to start a campaign in your community (i.e. a faith-based setting, workplace, school, or civic group) to encourage others to make an appointment for a check-up or health screening on National Women’s Check-Up Day (the day after Mother’s Day each year) or National Men’s Health Week (the week before Father’s Day each year).
