Family Health:
Screenings and reminders

Know and track your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. There are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. That's why it's important to:

• Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly
• Write down your numbers
• Stay on the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor

Your goals will depend on your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Ask your doctor what your goals should be.

Influenza vaccine

Here are some facts about flu (influenza) vaccine:

• The flu shot does not contain live viruses, so you cannot get the flu from the shot.
• The flu is caused by a virus that spreads from people with the flu to the nose or throat of other people without the flu.
• Anyone can get the flu.
• The flu shot can keep you from getting the flu.
• You can get the flu shot at the same time you get other shots, such as the pneumonia shot.
• The flu shot is updated every year because the viruses that cause the flu change.

More information

See Help Protect Against Flu.

Review your vaccine history with your doctor and ask if you need this shot, also known as pneumonia shot. Here are some facts about pneumococcal disease:

• Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia (infections of your lungs), meningitis (infections of the covering of your brain), an infection in your blood, or ear infections.
• Anyone can get pneumococcal disease.
• If you are 65 or older, or if you have diabetes, chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease you are more likely to get pneumococcal disease.
• Children under age 2 are more likely to get pneumococcal disease.

More information
Read information about pneumococcal vaccination from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

Both men and women should be checked for colon cancer or growths that can turn into colon cancer:

• If you are age 50 or older, you should be tested for colon cancer.
• Most colon cancers occur in men and women who are age 50 and older.
• Screening tests can find growths before they turn into cancer. Colon cancer can be prevented if these growths are removed.
• If you get checked and you do have cancer, the earlier you and your doctor treat the cancer the better. It is curable if found and treated early.
• There is more than one way to get tested. You and your doctor should choose the test that's best for you.

More information

Learn more about preventing colon cancer.

A mammogram can help find cancer early, when it is too small to be felt. Women ages 40 and older should schedule mammogram appointments.

You should:

• Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
• Consider scheduling your mammogram 3 to 10 days after your menstrual cycle (period), when your breasts are less sensitive.
• Some facilities may want a doctor's order. Check with your facility when scheduling your appointment.

More information

Learn more about breast cancer.

Having a Pap test can help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. The Pap test can find cancer early when it is easier to treat. The Pap test looks for changes in the cervix caused by human papilloma (pap-ah-LO-mah) virus, or HPV, the major cause of cervical cancer in women.

• Women should begin screening for cervical cancer at age 21 (younger if sexually active).
• Screening should be done every 1 to 2 years until age 30.
• If you are 30 years or older and have had a Pap test with normal results for 3 years in a row, you may only need a Pap test every 2 to 3 years.
• Remember to get a gynecological exam yearly, even if you do not need a Pap test, to assess risk factors and discuss recommended screenings.
• Cervical cancer screening in women older than age 30 may also include an HPV test. An HPV test is performed by taking a sample of cells from the cervix at the same time a Pap test is done. This test is painless. If results of both tests are normal, you may only need to repeat screening every 3 years.
• Women 70 years and older may stop getting Pap tests if past results are normal.
• Women who have had a hysterectomy should talk with their doctor about Pap testing.

Talk to your doctor about the type of screening that is right for you.

More information

Learn more about cervical cancer.

You should have an annual Chlamydia test if you are 24 years of age or younger and sexually active. Chlamydia infection often has no symptoms and you may not know you have it. Left untreated, the infection can lead to tubal pregnancies and infertility. Discuss screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with your doctor.

More information
Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases.

Schedule and keep the following well-visit appointments:  

• 3-5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months

Well-child visits give the doctor time to do routine screenings and tests your child may need. Your child’s doctor may also give any vaccines that are needed.

Don’t wait to get your child vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect your child from disease. You will also protect others at home or daycare.

Make sure your child gets all recommended shots before age two. The most up-to-date schedule can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Keep track of your child's shots:

• Write down which shots were given, who gave them and the date they were given.
• If you change doctors, give the new doctor a complete list of all shots your child has received.
• Tell the doctor if your child has allergies or if there are any medicines your child cannot take.

More information
See Guiding Your Child through the Early Years.

Preteens need immunizations (shots) too. Many of the shots your child received as a baby require a booster shot in preteen years. These shots protect him or her from serious diseases. Discuss shots at every visit, including:

• Yearly medical checkups
• Sick visits
• Visits for sport and camp physicals

You can find the most up-to-date schedule on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preteens should see their doctor for a yearly medical checkup. While there, talk to your doctor about:

• Any shots that are needed
• Growth and body changes
• Changes in your child's behavior
• Diet and exercise
• Yearly checkups can help your preteen stay healthy. They also give you a chance to talk with your doctor about important health issues.

More information
See Guiding Your Child through the Adolescent Years.