Medical professionals all around the world advise that the average person should visit the doctor at least twice a year for preventive checkups. However, millions of people admit to visiting the hospital twice in three to five years. The main reason points towards the fees of visiting and their perfect health condition. This article highlights the importance of preventive screening and why you should do it.
What is Preventive Care?
The word "preventive care" refers to medical procedures, examinations, and screenings that are carried out to assess your health and maintain it. They include cancer screenings, BMI testing, STD testing, and birth control. Preventive care is often free, so you don't pay anything when you walk into the hospital. It’s important to prioritize your health, and preventive care allows a licensed professional to detect any underlying medical concerns early on.
Different Preventive Screenings Important for Various Age Groups
The following are different prevention screenings for various age groups:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and pap tests: HPV tests are compulsory preventive screenings for women at the age of 21 and above. It should be done at least every 30 years. Pap tests are recommended for sexually active women and women above 30. Likewise, it should be done every 5 years.
STD testing: Men and women should test for a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases annually. Since major STDs are asymptomatic, you can easily spread them to your partner, kids, or even your unborn kid. Even if you are not sexually active, ensure you test for STDs.
Mammogram: Mammograms are another test for women, especially those with a high risk of having breast cancer. Unmarried women above 40 should go for an annual checkup. Women belonging to a family with one or more cases of breast cancer should get checked every 6 months.
Skin testing: The sudden rise in skin cancer is another indicator that skin testing should be done often. When you turn 18, ensure you check your skin at least once every three months for unusual moles or skin color. Since people with fair skin are predisposed to having skin cancer, ensure you get checked regularly.
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is an examination that helps in removing or locating polyps that teen to colon cancer. People over the age of 40 are predisposed to having asymptomatic polyps in their bodies, only a colonoscopy can detect them.
Eye examination: Likewise, our eyes need to be examined regularly. Also, visit a doctor if you notice any slight change in your vision, experience a slight headache while squinting, or are diabetic.
The benefits of getting preventive care at an urgent care center
The most important thing you can do to control your health is preventive care as many of the major risk factors for disease and early mortality can be avoided. When you know about your health, it is simpler to make decisions regarding a healthy lifestyle. Depending on your overall health, your gender, and your age, your medical provider will advise preventative care measures and objectives.
For same-day preventive care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. We offer a wide range of services– from vaccinations and physical exams to STD testing and digital x-rays. Please call us directly to learn more about the preventive screenings we offer.
