Physical exam frequency

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Blood pressure check

Physical exam frequency

Adults should visit their health care provider periodically, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• Screen for diseases
• Assess risk of future medical problems
• Encourage healthy lifestyles
• Update vaccinations
• Maintain a relationship with a doctor in the event of an illness

Health maintenance visits differ from visits by people who have medical problems that need to be monitored and treated.

How often you need a physical exam; Health maintenance visit

Even if you feel fine, it still important to see your health care provider regularly to check for potential problems. Most people who have high blood pressure don't even know it. The only way to find out if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Likewise, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until advanced disease has occurred.

There are specific times when you should see your health care provider. Age-specific guidelines are as follows:

AGE 18 - 39

• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years.
• Have your blood pressure checked every year. Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies. If the systolic number (top number) is greater than 130 or the diastolic number (bottom number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.
• You should have 2 physical exams in your 20s. During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. Your height and weight should be checked at every exam. Other blood tests are not indicated in healthy young people.
• Men should perform a monthly testicular self-exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
• Women should perform a monthly breast self-exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
• Women should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cervical cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for 3 years in a row, your doctor may decrease the frequency of Pap smears to every 2 - 3 years.
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.