Get Preventive Health Care

It is important to seek preventive health care to stay well and avoid disease. Getting recommended screenings, vaccinations, and in some cases taking preventive medicines will help you stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an article about the value of routine check-ups.
http://www.cdc.gov/family/checkup/index.htm#overview

What Screening Tests are Right for You?

You should consult with your doctor to determine what screening tests you need. Doctors will consider your age, your sex, your family history and other factors to determine if a specific test is recommended. Screening tests are used to detect disease before symptoms ever appear. The goal of screening is to find disease early so that it can be managed or reduce the likelihood that the disease will make you critically ill.

The Agency for Health Research and Quality checklist for health, including a list of recommended screenings:

• Health screenings for men:
  http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/Healthymen.htm
• For men 50+:
  http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/men50.htm
• Health screenings for women:
  http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthywom.htm
  Or visit everydayhealth.com:
  http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/screening-tests-and-immunization-schedule.aspx
• For women over 50+:
  http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/women50.htm

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a guide to preventive services for major diseases and other health risks. Information on recommendations for adults, children and adolescents can be found here:
http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/recommendations.htm

WebMD has a slideshow about several common women's health screenings:
http://women.webmd.com/slideshow-screening-tests-women

WebMD also has a video for moms-to-be on prenatal screenings during various stages of pregnancy:
http://www.webmd.com/video/eddleman-understanding-pre-natal-screening-tests

Scheduling Screening Tests

Some diagnostic blood work tests and imaging screenings require special preparation.

Here's a list of common screening tests that explains what type of preparation is required for each one from LifeLine Screening, a health screening organization. Other local labs may offer information on their websites. Also, be sure to ask your doctor or the testing service you are using for any special instructions.
http://www.lifelinescreening.com/health-screening-services/prepare-for-your-screening.aspx

Vaccines and Community Health

It's important to know what vaccines to get and when. Resources are available to help you stay on track to receive the right immunizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help you determine which vaccines you might need. Also, consult your health care provider and review/update your vaccine record.
http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/

The CDC childhood immunization schedules are available online.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm#printable

The CDC adult immunization schedule is available online.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm#everyone

Global Health & Travel

The CDC provides travel health information including information on vaccines.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

The U.S. State Department of State publishes health tips for international travelers.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#diseases

The World Health Organization also provides health information for travelers including safe food guidelines and updates of infectious disease.
http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Updated: September 2011