Health checks - what do you need to do?

Primary prevention and screening; I like to ensure all my patients are up to date with all their health screens and checks, so I thought I’d write you a cheat sheet for each age group;

*note this is not an exhaustive list - every one has their own risk factors ( including family history) which may mean you will need more screening or start screening sooner than every one else, we are all unique - check in with your GP and ensure you’re up to date*

0-16 years - baby checks at all vaccinations - the schedule for vaccinations changes often, just when I’ve memorised it, it will change. Usually we check babies at 7 days, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and then 4years. If there are any concerns with development we can discuss them at routine vaccination appointments.

Also a good idea to get used to dental reviews yearly.

Skin cancers are rare in children however this is the time to start sun protection to prevent them in the future.

16-29 years — The Cervical screening test for HPV starts at age 25 for women.

Men and women should check in with their GP for their mental health and physical health and any fertility concerns. I like to screen teenagers for healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness and meditation to prevent them turning to drugs or alcohol.

It is a good idea to start annual skin checks and keep track of any new moles, especially if there is a family history of melanoma.

STI screening is important for those who are sexually active.

Avoiding smoking, drugs and alcohol overuse throughout your life to keep your organs healthy and strong.

30-39 years - I continue to recommend yearly skin checks and make sure everyone is up to date, CST is needed every 5 years for women. We should also check your vaccinations are up to date and any booster doses are given as needed.

If you haven’t fallen pregnant after 6 months of trying, come in for a review and health check up for fertility.

Again screening for mental health issues at every stage is important. I have just found this new website called This Way Up which allows online cognitive behavioural therapy to commence. I also use Insight timer a free app for meditations every day.

40 - 49 years - Skin checks yearly, diabetes risk screen, consider healthy heart check and review cholesterol every 5 years.

We can consider mammograms for women if at high risk. Self breast examination can be helpful and make sure you see your GP if any concerns.

This age is when men could start to show signs of heart disease - Make sure you get your Blood Pressure checked.

50 - 59 years - Mammograms for women every 2 years from 50 years is recommended.

Men and women should start 2nd yearly bowel screening ( the most common cancer over 50).

Skin checks yearly continue, and become more important as you get older.

Make sure you have your Blood Pressure checked - it should be close to 120/80

Post menopausal women and high risk men could consider a bone mineral density test, especially if you have a low trauma fracture or have risk factors like family history or are underweight.

Men might like to talk to their GP about their prostate cancer risk and discuss testing pros and cons.

60 - 69 years - Continue 2nd yearly screening for bowel and breast cancer. Annual skin checks to continue.

Continue to monitor your BP and cholesterol. Check for diabetes risk.

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are recommended over 65yo and younger for ATSI patients.

You might also consider a shingles vaccinations - talk to your doctor to see what your options are.

70 - 79 years - CST and Bowel screening can stop after 75 years.

Skin checks continue especially if high risk.

A bone mineral density test is recommended over 70 but you could be eligible if younger with risk factors like some medication use.

From 75 years you will need a driver’s licence medical renewal every year with a full medical examination.

80 + years - We love you just the same, although some medical tests aren’t needed as often and offered for abnormal symptoms. Please discuss any concerns with your GP.

*Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, 9th edition