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Health Checkups and Screenings

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Almost no one likes going to the doctor. And it may feel like you keep adding more and more doctors as you age. But whether it's for routine checkups or managing a chronic health problem, you shouldn't skip those visits. Maintaining your health can mean keeping your independence. Scientists continue to find new ways to screen for, treat, and lower your risk of major diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Take advantage by getting all the recommended regular screenings.

Additional Resources

Publications

Common Screening and Diagnostic Tests — This document is a handy reference that explains many common tests your doctor or nurse may order for you.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/tools/commontests.pdf

Dietary Guidance — This web site is a comprehensive listing of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intake. It includes information on specific nutrients and history of DRI development.

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_...

HealthierUS.gov — With a focus on physical fitness, nutrition, preventative screenings, and avoiding risky behaviors, HealthierUS.gov is a source of credible, accurate information to help Americans live healthier lives.

http://www.healthierus.gov

Just Enough for You: About Food Portions — This booklet contains information on the difference between a portion and a serving. It also includes tips on how to control portion size at home and when eating out.

http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/just_enough.htm

My Bright Future: Physical Activity and Healthy Eating for Adult Women — This booklet will help you learn more about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating in your daily life. It will also help you talk with your doctor about these topics and set health-related goals. Included are personalized tip sheets that can help you meet your nutritional goals.

http://www.hrsa.gov/WomensHealth/mybrightfutureadult/menu.html

Screening Mammograms: Questions and Answers — This fact sheet discusses what a mammogram is and who should get one.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/screening-mammograms

Staying Healthy at 50+ Timeline — You can take action to stay healthy by following daily steps to good health, getting screening tests (standard tests to look for signs of particular diseases), and taking medicines to prevent disease. This list tells you what to do and when.

http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/50plusposter.pdf

Women: Stay Healthy at Any Age. Checklist for Your Next Checkup (Copyright © AHRQ) — What can you do to stay healthy and prevent disease? You can get certain screening tests, take preventive medicine if you need it, and practice healthy behaviors. This checklist contains suggestions for regular checkups and screenings for every woman.

http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthywom.htm

Prevention (Copyright © AGS) — Disease prevention is even more important in older people than in younger people. This site list several important preventive activities can help people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=10

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.