There is good evidence that care given during routine office visits can help keep you healthy. The following is a summary of the minimum preventive screening guidelines that Dean Health Plan recommends for healthy adults who have no symptoms or are at low risk for disease:

Alcohol misuse. All adults and adolescents should be screened at least annually for alcohol misuse.

Blood pressure. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every one to two years.

Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection. All sexually active women younger than age 25 should be tested.

Colorectal cancer. Men and women ages 50 and older should be screened periodically.

Depression. Adults should be screened periodically for depression with appropriate treatment or referral for those diagnosed with depression.

Influenza vaccination. Men and women older than age 65 should have an annual influenza vaccination.

Lipid disorders. Men ages 35 and older and women ages 45 and older should have their total and HDL, or “good,” cholesterol checked at least once, then periodically as appropriate.

Mammography. Women ages 40 and older should have a mammogram every one to two years with or without a clinical breast exam.

Osteoporosis. Women ages 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis.

Pap test. All sexually active women with a cervix should have a Pap test at least every one to three years. Pap tests may be discontinued after age 65 if documented previous screening is normal (minimum of three normal Pap tests in the previous 10 years).

Pneumococcal vaccination. Men and women older than age 65 should have one pneumococcal vaccination.

Seat belt use. All adults should use seat belts and cycle helmets.

Tetanus-diphtheria (Td). Men and women should have a Td booster vaccination every 10 years.

Tobacco cessation. All men and women who use tobacco should quit.

Other care may also be appropriate. Talk with your doctor about the preventive care that’s right for you.

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