Guide to Preventative Care Steps by Age and Gender

reventive health care can mean a longer life and a higher quality of life. With stakes this high, knowing what preventive health care measures are most important at each stage of life is crucially important. Everyone-man, woman and child-should start by getting an annual physical and the tests associated with that, such as a blood pressure reading, but over the years other screenings and testing are warranted.

Preventative care for children age 0-3

Well child visits: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a series of well-baby checkups during a child's first three years of life. During these checkups, the child's doctor will conduct a physical exam that will likely include the taking of measurements including weight, height and head circumference; conducting a sensory screening; assessing the child's behavior; administering immunizations and conducting any necessary screenings or other tests. The AAP suggests these visits take place at the following intervals: 2 to 5 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years old, 2½ years old and 3 years old.

Preventative care for children age 3-18

Annual checkup: The AAP recommends an annual checkup for children ages 3 and up. Measurements of weight and height are standard parts of the examination. Vision checks and an assessment for developmental delays will also likely take place.

Preventative care for women age 20-29

Breast cancer screening: The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that, beginning in their 20s, women conduct a monthly breast self-exam one to two weeks after their period. They should also undergo a clinical breast exam every three years. This can be performed by a primary care physician during a regular checkup.

Eye exam: At least one eye exam while in their 20s. Those who wear glasses or contacts should defer to their physician for frequency of eye exams.

Gynecological exam: Gynecologic exams and Pap tests, which check for infections, abnormal cells or cervical cancer,  start at age 21 and should be conducted annually.

Heart tests: A blood test for cholesterol is recommended for women beginning at age 20 and should be conducted every four to six years.

Preventative care for women age 30-40

Breast cancer screening: The ACS recommends an annual clinical breast exam about every three years for women in their 30s. A baseline mammogram is recommended at age 35 with more frequency if mother had breast cancer.

Eye exam: At least two eye exams in their 30s.

Gynecological exam: Same as previous years plus Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test every five years.

Preventative care for women age 40-49

Blood glucose screening:  This test assesses a patient's sugar levels for possible diabetes. This test should begin at age 45 and take place every three years thereafter.

Breast cancer screening: The ACS recommends an annual clinical breast every year for women over 40. Mammograms begin annually at 40.

Eye exam: Women 40-plus should have their eyes examined every two years-whether or not they wear glasses. Women over age 45 should be screened for glaucoma.

Gynecological exam: Women over age 40 should continue annual gynecologic exams with Pap test. An HPV screening is recommended every five years until age 65.

Heart tests: A baseline EKG is recommended at age 40 to assess heart health. A chest X-ray is recommended for smokers.

Preventative care for women age 50+

Colon screening: Colonoscopies should begin after the age of 50 and be done every 10 years unless the patient has polyps or a family history of colon cancer.

Preventative care for men age 20-29

Heart health: A blood test for cholesterol is recommended for men beginning at age 20. The test should be conducted every four to six years to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Eye exam: Men should have their eyes checked at least once in their 20s. Those who wear glasses or contacts should defer to their physician for frequency of eye exams.

Testicular screening: Men should conduct a monthly testicular self-exam beginning in their 20s. Clinical testicular exams should be done at any well-visit exam.

Preventative care for men age 30-39

Eye exam: Men should have at least two eye exams in their 30s.

Testicular screening: Same as recommendations for ages 20-29.

Preventative care for men age 40 plus

Blood glucose screening: This test assesses a patient's sugar levels for possible diabetes. This test should begin at age 45 and take place every three years thereafter.

Eye exam: Men 40+ should have their eyes examined every two years whether or not they wear glasses. Men over age 45 should be screened for glaucoma.

Heart tests: A baseline EKG is recommended at age 40 to assess heart health. A chest X-ray is recommended for smokers. An annual blood pressure screening should be part of an annual checkup, as should a blood test for cholesterol. Men over 40 should continue to be screened for good and bad cholesterol levels every four to six years.

Prostate and testicular exams: African-American men over 40, especially those whom have a family history of prostate cancer, should have prostate and testicular exams.

Preventative care for men age 50 plus

Colon screening: Colonoscopies should begin after the age of 50 and be done every 10 years unless the patient has polyps or a family history of colon cancer. A colonoscopy detects colon cancer and other colon and rectal abnormalities.

Prostate and testicular exam: Men in their 50s should continue with annual prostate and testicular exams.

Urological exam: It is not uncommon for men over age 50 to experience problems with urination, sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Urological exams are recommended for men experiencing any of these symptoms.