Health Screenings to Plan for This Year

In Good Health, Topics

The new year comes with new goals and new plans. As you’re thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2023, remember to include your health. This list of basic screenings can help keep you healthy and active this year, and for years to come.

  • Annual Physical
  • Everyone should plan for a physical exam each year, which includes basic measurements (height, weight), blood pressure and lab tests. Be sure to include a twice-a-year dental cleaning and eye exam if needed. Age 30-64: Every 5 years
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
  • Everyone should have a baseline colorectal screening at age 50. This can include a colonoscopy or at-home screening test.
  • Lab Work
  • Your primary care physician can order the standard lab work to assess your overall health, including a complete blood count, a complete metabolic panel, urinalysis, lipid profile and TSH.
  • Lung Cancer Screening
  • If you're a former or active smoker with a 20+ pack-year history, you should have a lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT every year after age 50
  • Resting EKG
  • Ages 40-59, you should have an initial baseline EKG.
    Age 50-64 – an EKG every four years
    Age 65+ - an EKG every three years
  • TB Skin Test
  • Every five years
  • Vaccines
  • Make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines, including influenza, COVID-19, tetanus, shingles and pneumonia.

Note that recommendations for screenings can be dependent on your personal health history and risk factors. Talk with your primary care provider about what’s right for you. Need a new primary care physician? Visit www.mclaren.org/mphPCP to find one near you.

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