ROUTINE EXAMS

Routine checkups can find treatable problems early. For many medical problems, early treatment can help prevent more serious problems. The value of checkups and how often you have them depends on your age, gender and your personal and family health history.

Some of the common health issues evaluated during a routine checkup are:

A review of your family and personal history is done to provide information about your risk for chronic or inherited diseases.
Hygiene, diet, and exercise habits are identified during a fitness assessment.
A sexual evaluation checks growth and development, risk behaviors, birth control options, and disease prevention.
Family relationship problems, personal growth issues, and abuse are determined by a social and mental assessment.
Evaluation of seatbelt use, helmet use, sun exposure, housing safety, smoking, drug and alcohol use is done as part of a risk appraisal.
Immunization history is reviewed to check for up to date vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis.
Certain tests are done to screen for diseases and other conditions. These tests may include blood, urinalysis, electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), mammogram, and colonoscopy.
A complete physical exam may be done periodically to assess your overall health status.

Your healthcare provider will review these findings and your history and recommend treatment or prevention. How often you return for care will depend upon your age, health, family history, risk factors, and health conditions. Talk with your provider about checkups.

To maximize health, be sure to:

visit the dentist regularly
eat healthy -- choose a well-balanced diet, low in fat, and high in fiber
maintain a healthy weight
do not smoke or use illegal drugs
use alcohol moderately, if at all
be safety conscious -- always wear safety devices, such as bike helmets and seat belts
exercise regularly
schedule regular checkups and
stay up to date with your immunizations

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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