Article summary
- Why checkups are good
- Adults (age 20-64)
- Older adults (age 65 and older)
These are simple health tips for you and your family. Check what your health plan covers. Always ask your doctor what tests you need.
Why checkups are good
Checkups help you stay healthy.
Life gets busy, and it can be hard to make visits.
These lists can help you remember when to go.
Adults (age 18 to 64)
Regular annual checkups
- Shots (vaccines)
- Height, weight and body size (BMI)
- Blood pressure (every year)
- Cholesterol (every 5 years – or every year if you have diabetes or heart disease)
- Colon cancer (age 45 until age 75; how often depends on the type of test)
For women:
- Reproductive health tests (like chlamydia and STIs): For sexually active women age 16–24, or people at risk
- Breast check (mammogram): Every 2 years for age 40 to 74
- Cervical cancer check (Pap test):
- Age 21-65: Every 3 years
- Age 30-65: Every 5 years with an HPV test
For men:
- Reproductive health tests (such as chlamydia and other STIs) if sexually active or at risk
- Test for a weak blood vessel in the belly (AAA): Once time for men age 65-75 who ever smoked.
- Prostate cancer check: Suggested after age 50 (earlier if your dad or brother had it, or if you are Black).
Older adults (age 65 and older)
Regular annual checkups
- Shots (vaccines)
- Eyes and ears
- Future health-care planning
- All your medicines
- How well you can do daily tasks
- Pain
- Colon cancer tests until age 75
- Bone strength (bone density test): Age 65 + if you have a higher chance of breaking bones
Glaucoma check: Every 2 years by an eye doctor