Annual physical exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need healthcare.

Assessing your overall health:
Your doctor may order a variety of blood tests and other screenings during your annual physical exam, including:

• Blood pressure screening
• 
  Cholesterol screening
• 
  Blood glucose screening
• 
  Osteoporosis screening
• 
  Body mass index (BMI)

Updating your vaccinations:
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults need to keep their vaccines up to date to prevent dangerous diseases, too. Your doctor will review your vaccination history and risk factors during your annual physical exam and may recommend immunizations, including:

Flu vaccine: Flu shots are recommended each year for most people age 6 months and older.

Tdap vaccine: The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular (contains no cells) pertussis, or “whooping cough,” and requires a booster for adults.

Pneumonia vaccine: If you have asthma or are a smoker or are older than age 65, your doctor may recommend the pneumonia vaccine to prevent lung infections.

HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus and is recommended for men and women under age 26.

Shingles vaccine: The shingles vaccine is recommended for most adults age 60 and older.

Hepatitis B vaccine: If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your immune system, work in the healthcare field or live in a group environment such as a nursing home, your doctor may recommend the hepatitis B vaccine.

Other Important Tests:

Screening for cancer

Skin cancer screening

Breast cancer screening

Gynecological cancer screening

Colon cancer screening

Prostate cancer screening

Lung cancer screening

It’s important to keep your medical records up to date. Make an appointment with your Ace Medical physician today.