Wellness & Prevention
Preventive Care
The best time to deal with a health problem is before it starts. Preventive care like checkups, screenings, and vaccines can catch issues early, when they're easiest to treat, or stop them from happening at all. Most health insurance plans cover many preventive services at no extra cost.
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Annual Health Checkups
A yearly visit is your chance to review your health, update screenings and vaccines, and ask questions. Learn what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your appointment.
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Vaccination Importance
Vaccines aren't just for kids. See which ones adults need and how they protect you and the people around you.
Cancer Screening Guidelines
Know which cancer screenings are recommended for your age and risk, and how often to get them.
Heart Health Checks
Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are simple tests that can reveal hidden heart risks years in advance.
Diabetes Prevention Tips
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Learn your risk and the lifestyle changes that make the biggest difference.
Recommended Screenings by Age
These are general guidelines for adults at average risk. Your family history, lifestyle, and past results may mean you need certain tests earlier or more often, so use this as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor.
Ages 18 to 39
- Blood pressure every 3 to 5 years if normal
- Cervical cancer screening starting at 21
- HIV test at least once
- Depression and anxiety screening
- Dental and eye exams regularly
Ages 40 to 49
- Blood pressure every year
- Mammogram every 2 years for women
- Colorectal cancer screening starting at 45
- Cholesterol and heart risk assessment
- Diabetes screening if overweight
Ages 50 to 64
- Continue colorectal and breast screening
- Lung cancer screening if you have a heavy smoking history
- Prostate cancer screening discussion for men 55+
- Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines
Ages 65+
- Bone density test for women
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm check for men who have smoked
- Fall risk and hearing checks
- Review which screenings to continue with your doctor
Why Prevention Matters
Many of the most common and costly diseases develop quietly for years before causing symptoms. Prevention and early detection change the outcome.
1 in 3
US adults has prediabetes, and most don't know it
58%
lower risk of type 2 diabetes with modest weight loss and regular activity in people at high risk
Nearly 1 in 2
US adults has high blood pressure, often with no symptoms
Vaccines Adults Often Need
Immunity from some childhood vaccines fades over time, and new risks come with age. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about which of these you're due for.
- FluEvery year
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (Td/Tdap)Every 10 years
- ShinglesAge 50+
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia)Age 50+
- HPVThrough age 26
- RSVOlder adults
Get Ready for Your Checkup
A little prep helps you and your doctor cover what matters most.
- ✓Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take
- ✓Write down any symptoms or changes you've noticed
- ✓Update your family health history
- ✓Ask which screenings and vaccines you're due for
- ✓Prepare your top 2 or 3 questions in advance
- ✓Ask if you need to fast before any blood work
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is for general education only and isn't a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Screening and vaccine recommendations vary by individual risk and are updated over time.