Regular checkups big part of staying healthy

HOUSTON -- (May 6, 2009) -- Regular screenings are an important part of staying healthy, but it's hard to remember what tests are needed at what age. Baylor College of Medicine doctors offer guidelines to help maintain good health through the ages.

"It is very important at any age to have regular health screenings," said Dr. Steve Rosenbaum, assistant professor of medicine at BCM and section chief of general internal medicine at Baylor Clinic. "It allows us to appreciate our good fortune for good health, and regular exams can detect problems early, so they can be treated and dealt with more expeditiously."

Screenings part of overall maintenance

As we age, it is even more important to have regular screenings, kind of like having a favorite old car that we have to "baby" along, Rosenbaum said. He recommends people come in during their birth month. That way it's very easy to remember.

Just how often people should visit their doctor for regular checkups and screenings is a common question. For people with no chronic health issues, Rosenbaum suggests:

People in their 30s should have checkups every two to three years
By 40, checkups are recommended every 12 to 18 months
Annual checkups starting by 50

Recommended screenings

Children

Hearing
Vision
Height/weight/body mass index
Blood pressure
Speech and motor skills development
Social/behavioral skills

Teens

Pap smear
Sexually transmitted infection screening if sexually active
Vision

20s

Vision
Pap smear
Lipid test

30s

Baseline mammogram at 35
Vision
Pap smear

40s

Mammogram
Pap smear
Vision
Prostate
Heart stress test

50-plus

Colonoscopy
Glaucoma/vision
Prostate
Skin cancer
Stress test
Hearing

Check with your doctor

There are many factors that could influence the frequency of screenings. Family history of certain illness and risk factors should be discussed with your doctor. For some illnesses, like skin or colorectal cancer, if a first degree relative has been diagnosed, screening should begin even in the early 20s.

Remember, talking about family medical history with your doctor is just as important as staying up to date on your checkups.

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