Infants, Toddlers, and Children (Birth to 10 years)
Preventive health in childhood establishes the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. These early screenings focus on ensuring normal growth and development, detecting congenital conditions, and administering vaccinations to prevent serious illnesses.
Newborn Screenings (First Week of Life)
Before a newborn even leaves the hospital, they undergo a series of critical tests. A blood spot screen (heel prick test) checks for dozens of rare but serious genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Early detection allows for immediate treatment to prevent severe disability or death. A hearing screening is performed to identify potential hearing loss, enabling early intervention for language development. A pulse oximetry test screens for critical congenital heart defects by measuring blood oxygen levels.
Well-Child Visits (Regularly from Birth)
Pediatricians recommend a schedule of well-child visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. These are not just for sick care; they are essential for monitoring growth (height, weight, head circumference), tracking developmental milestones (social, emotional, and cognitive skills), and administering the recommended childhood vaccination schedule, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and more.
Ages 3-5: Vision and Blood Pressure
During the preschool years, vision screenings begin to detect amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or refractive errors that could impact learning. Blood pressure checks start at age 3 to screen for early signs of underlying health issues. Dentists recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday, with regular check-ups every six months to monitor tooth development and prevent cavities.
Ages 6-10: Continued Monitoring and Cholesterol
Annual well-child visits continue to monitor growth and development. Pediatricians may perform a behavioral assessment to screen for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression. For children with a family history of high cholesterol, early heart disease, or risk factors like obesity, a lipid panel (cholesterol test) may be recommended once between ages 9 and 11.
Adolescents and Young Adults (Ages 11-25)
This period of rapid physical and psychological change requires screenings that address emerging health issues, from sexual health to mental well-being and lifestyle factors.
Ages 11-14: Vaccinations and Scoliosis
This age group should receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster and the first doses of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine and the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Pediatricians will perform annual checks for scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) during growth spurts. Discussions about healthy eating, physical activity, and the risks of smoking, vaping, and substance use are crucial.
Ages 15-17: Sexual and Mental Health
For sexually active adolescents, screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended. Annual visits should include confidential conversations about sexual health, safe practices, and contraception. Mental health screenings for depression and anxiety become increasingly important. A second meningococcal booster shot is recommended at age 16.
Ages 18-25: Transition to Adult Care
This is the critical transition from pediatric to adult primary care. Key screenings include:
- Blood Pressure: Annually if normal, more frequently if elevated.
- Cholesterol: At least once in this age range if risk factors exist.
- STI Screening: Annual testing for sexually active individuals.
- Cervical Cancer: Pap smears begin at age 21, regardless of sexual activity.
- Testicular Exams: Young men should be educated on self-exams for cancer detection.
- Mental Health: Continued screening for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Adults (Ages 26-49)
During prime adulthood, the focus shifts toward establishing baselines, monitoring for the early onset of chronic diseases influenced by lifestyle and genetics, and maintaining reproductive health.
Core Screenings for All Adults
- Blood Pressure: Check at least every two years if normal (<120/80 mm Hg), or annually if elevated.
- Cholesterol (Lipid Panel): Every 4-6 years for adults with normal risk. More frequently if you have risk factors (diabetes, family history, smoking, high blood pressure).
- Diabetes (Blood Glucose): Screen for Type 2 diabetes every three years starting at age 35, or earlier if you are overweight/obese and have additional risk factors.
- Dental Health: Continue cleanings and exams every six months.
- Eye Health: A comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an optometrist.
Screenings for Women
- Pap Smear & HPV Test: Women aged 21-29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Women 30-65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
- Clinical Breast Exam: May be performed during annual well-woman visits; discuss frequency with your provider.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Annual screening for sexually active women under 25, and for women 25+ with risk factors.
Screenings for Men
- Testicular Exam: Often part of a routine physical; discuss self-exams and clinical exams with your doctor.
Mental Health and Cancer Risk
Depression screening should be ongoing. Discuss your family history with your doctor to determine if you need earlier or more frequent screenings for certain cancers (e.g., colorectal, skin, prostate). A one-time hepatitis C screening is recommended for all adults 18 and older.
Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 50-64)
This decade marks a significant increase in recommended preventive screenings, as the risk for many cancers and chronic conditions rises substantially.
Cancer Screenings
- Colorectal Cancer: Screening begins at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Options include a colonoscopy every 10 years, a FIT (fecal immunochemical test) annually, or a CT colonography every 5 years.
- Lung Cancer: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
- Breast Cancer (Women): Mammograms every 1-2 years, starting at age 40 or 50—discuss personal risk with your doctor to decide.
- Prostate Cancer (Men): Starting at age 50 (or 45 for high-risk men), discuss the pros and cons of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood testing with your doctor to make an informed decision.
Chronic Disease Monitoring
- Diabetes: Continue screening every three years, or more often based on risk.
- Osteoporosis (Women): A bone density scan (DEXA) is recommended for all women at age 65, but may be done earlier (post-menopause) if risk factors exist (fractures, steroid use, low body weight).
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (Men): A one-time ultrasound screening is recommended for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked. It may be considered for older women with a smoking history.
Vaccinations
This age group should receive the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) in two doses after age 50. A Td (tetanus, diphtheria) or Tdap booster is needed every 10 years.
Older Adults (Ages 65 and Up)
Preventive care for seniors focuses on maintaining function, preventing disease and injury, and managing chronic conditions to preserve quality of life.
Essential Health Screenings
- Bone Density (DEXA Scan): Women should be screened by age 65. Men may need screening based on risk factors.
- Colorectal Cancer: Continue screening through age 75. Decisions to screen after 75 should be individualized based on health and prior screening history.
- Breast Cancer: Continue mammograms every 1-2 years as long as overall health is good and life expectancy is 10+ years.
- Diabetes and Cholesterol: Continue regular monitoring as advised by your physician.
- Hearing and Vision: Annual exams are crucial to address age-related decline, which impacts safety and social connection.
Cognitive and Fall Risk Assessments
Annual screenings for cognitive impairment, such as memory loss or reasoning problems, should be considered. Medicare Annual Wellness Visits include a mandatory fall risk assessment, evaluating balance, gait, home safety, and medications that may cause dizziness.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a critical pillar of senior health. Ensure you are up to date with:
- High-dose or adjuvanted Flu vaccine annually.
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15/PCV20 and PPSV23) to protect against pneumonia.
- Shingles vaccine (if not already received).
- COVID-19 boosters as recommended.
Advanced Care Planning
This is the time to have frank discussions with your family and doctor about your healthcare preferences. Create advance directives, including a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare, to ensure your wishes are known and respected.