Women's and Men's Health are very important aspects of Public Health. Below are some basic quidelines to help ensure that you stay healthy.
Each Day |
Each Month |
Each Year |
Other |
Exercise 20 minutes (at least 3 days each week). |
Perform a testicular self examination. |
Have a dental checkup once or twice a year. |
After age 20: every 5 years have a full lipid profile test for cholesterol and triglycerides. |
Protect yourself from the sun -- use sunscreen and dress appropriately. |
Perform an oral cavity self examination -- gums, teeth, lips, tongue. |
After age 50:
have a physical examination by your physician. |
Every 3 years
after age 30:
have a physical examination by your physician. |
Watch your fat intake -- no more than 30 percent of your caloric intake. |
Perform a full-body self examination for unusual moles or other skin conditions. |
After age 50: have a DRE (digital rectal examination). |
Every 2 years
after age 40:
have a physical examination by your physician. |
Eat 2 - 3 servings of protein (meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts) and dairy products. |
Be aware of your blood pressure level. |
After age 50: have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test or as recommended by your physician. |
After age 50:
have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or as recommended by your physician. |
Eat 6 - 11 servings of grains;
3 - 5 servings of vegetables;
and 2 - 4 servings
of fruits. |
Be aware of your cholesterol level. |
After age 50: have a PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase) test or as recommended by your physician. |
After age 50: have a colonoscopy every 10 years or as recommended by your physician. |
Be aware of your alcohol intake. |
Be aware of your weight -- check your BMI (body mass index). |
After age 50: have a fecal occult blood test. |
After age 50: have a double contrast barium enema every 5 -10 years or as recommended by your physician. |
Screening Tests |
Ages 18-39 |
Ages 40-49 |
Ages 50-64 |
Ages 65 and Older |
General Health:
Full checkup, including weight and height |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Thyroid test (TSH) |
Start at age 35, then every 5 years |
Every 5 years |
Every 5 years |
Every 5 years |
Heart Health:
Blood pressure test |
At least every 2 years |
At least every 2 years |
At least every 2 years |
At least every 2 years |
Cholesterol test |
Start at age 20, discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Bone Health:
Bone mineral density test |
|
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Get a bone mineral density test at least once. Talk to your doctor or nurse about repeat testing. |
Diabetes:
Blood sugar test |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Start at age 45, then every 3 years |
Every 3 years |
Every 3 years |
Breast Health:
Mammogram (x-ray of breast) |
|
Every 1-2 years. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Every 1-2 years. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Every 1-2 years. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Reproductive Health:
Pap test & pelvic exam |
Every 1-3 years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21 |
Every 1-3 years |
Every 1-3 years |
Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
Chlamydia test |
If sexually active, yearly until age 25. Ages 26-39, if you are at high risk for chlamydia or other STDs, you may need this test. |
If you are at high risk for chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) you may need this test. |
If you are at high risk for chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) you may need this test. |
If you are at high risk for chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) you may need this test. |
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) tests |
Both partners should get tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. |
Both partners should get tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. |
Both partners should get tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. |
Both partners should get tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. |
