Take charge of your health today! If you have not already done so, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.

"Prevention" is a buzzword in the health community. We hear it often, but what does it mean when it is put into action? One of the main ways that we can utilize preventive medicine is by engaging in health screenings at the recommended ages. This way, we can catch certain diseases and cancers before they progress and are hard to manage. In some cases, we are not necessarily preventing the health problem from developing in the first place. However, we are catching it in time to treat it effectively.

A big problem in our society is lack of knowledge and awareness when it comes to what health screenings are needed and when they are, appropriate. Although everyone is different, there are certain guidelines that are recommended by governing public health bodies such as the National Institute of Health. Listed below are the general recommendations for health screenings. Earlier or more frequent screenings could be recommended depending on someone's past medical record and family history.

Annual eye exams –

Not only are vision screenings important, but comprehensive eye examinations are necessary. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the most effective detection method for open-angle glaucoma. These annual examinations will help you determine if you are experiencing normal age-related changes with your eyes or disease-related problems such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Bi-annual dental exams –

Dental exams are often skipped over when it comes to maintaining oral health. It is important to be checked bi-annually to screen for throat cancers and periodontal disease.

Annual total skin exam –

Another often-overlooked health screening is the total skin exam. Although the frequency of these skin checks is at the discretion of your doctor, BlueCross BlueShield recommends annual skin examinations to check for skin cancer.

Blood pressure –

To screen for hypertension, it is necessary to have your blood pressure screened. BlueCross BlueShield recommends that you are checked once every two years if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, and every year for 120-139/80-89 mm Hg.

Cholesterol –

At the age of 18, everyone should be screened for lipid disorder, better known as high cholesterol. More regular and frequent screenings may be needed afterward depending on the risk for heart disease.

Pap smear –

For females aged 21-65, pap smears are helpful in identifying cervical dysplasia or cancer. BlueCross BlueShield recommends that women receive a pap smear every 3 years.

Prostate exam –

To detect and diagnose rectal tumors, prostate disorders, digestive disorders and other cancers, prostate exams are important. These screenings should begin between the ages of 40-50 years old in men. Your doctor will discuss with you how often to get prostate exams depending on your risk level.

Mammogram –

Because many forms of breast cancer are significantly more treatable if detected early, mammograms are imperative. During a mammogram, an x-ray picture is taken of the breasts to detect tumors and calcium deposits. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women begin screenings around the age of 40.

Colonoscopy –

A colonoscopy is a screen for ulcers, colon polyps, tumors and areas of bleeding or inflammation in the inner lining of the large intestine. This health screen could help catch early signs of colorectal cancer. The NIH recommends this test be done at age 50. After the initial screen, the frequency of future testing is determined by presence of abnormalities.

Bone density –

The NIH recommends that men and women over the age of 65 receive bone density tests. These tests screen for osteoporosis loss of bone mass.