As resolutions are being made for the new year, one small effort with invaluable benefits is to schedule regular preventative healthcare appointments and screenings for yourself and encourage your loved ones to do the same. We’ve rounded up a recommended appointment and screening schedules for your convenience. 

Children

Well-child visits are regularly scheduled preventative care appointments that allow you an opportunity to talk with a pediatrician regarding your child’s health and any concerns. The appointments enable the pediatrician to track your child’s growth and development and stay up-to-date on immunizations.

2 years (24 months), 2 ½ years, and then once a year from ages 3-21.

Women

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends adult women schedule an annual well-woman visit with an OB/GYN. This yearly checkup monitors your health and well-being, and your OB/GYN will tailor your appointment for your stage of life.  

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An annual appointment with a primary care provider can also provide you with an opportunity to check on your mental and physical well-being and ensure immunizations and screenings are current.

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Men

Men often think they don’t need to go to a doctor unless they are sick. But encouraging the men in your life to schedule regular appointments with a primary care physician can help them establish healthy routines, prevent illness, and catch any serious health concerns early.

A primary care provider will evaluate physical and mental health, ensure up-to-date immunizations, and take a family history to determine if specific screenings need to be started early.

In addition to regular preventative care appointments, the American Cancer Society advises men to follow the below screening schedule:

In his 20 and 30s

• If you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, your doctor will provide recommendations for screenings that are right for you. If you are not at an increased risk, you don’t need testing at this time.

In his 40s

• If you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, your doctor will provide recommendations for screenings that are right for you. If you are not at an increased risk, you don’t need testing at this time.
• Men who are at an increased risk for prostate cancer should begin testing at 40.
• At 45, all men should discuss recommendations for screening with their primary care provider.

In his 50s and older

• All men at average risk for colon cancer should begin testing at 50. There are several screenings available, talk with your primary care provider about which is best for you.
• All men of average risk for prostate cancer should begin discussing recommendations for screening with their primary care provider at age 50.
• Ages 55–74: If you are a current or former smoker with at least a 30 pack- year history or a 20 pack-year history plus additional risk factors, you may be a candidate for low-dose lung CT scan (annually)

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