Preventative care is vital in catching dangerous diseases in their early stages and can go a long way towards helping you live a full and healthy life.  There are specific recommendations for each age group in relation to preventative care. Here’s a quick look at the type of preventative care you may need.

Those in their 20′s and 30′s should make sure to screen height, weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure every two years. If you have specific issues with your cholesterol levels, or your doctor recommends more frequent screenings, which will be covered in most cases. Women in this age group should have one Pap test each Influenza shots are recommended once a year, in the fall, if you are at risk for developing or coming in contact with the disease.

For those 40 and older (up to their mid 60′s), the same recommendations above still apply, but some other preventative screenings are also recommended. Mammograms for women in this age group are recommended every one to two years. This may or may not need to include a clinical breast examination. Osteoporosis screening should begin for women, once they reach the age of 60. These screenings should be once a year for women at risk for osteoporotic fractures. Colorectal screenings are also recommended.

People Aged 65-and up have many of the same recommendations, but the frequency requirements may vary. Mammogram screenings are recommended every one to two years. Osteoporosis screenings are moved up to routinely, and may require more frequency, based on your individual needs. The flu shot for individual in this category is now recommended once a year, whether you are at high-risk or not. In additional, the Pneumonococcal vaccine is recommended once. A booster for this vaccine may be recommended as well.