Annual Exams
It's recommended that everyone schedule a wellness exam annually for basic preventative tests and screenings.
Recommended Health Screenings
The following are important health examinations and screenings and the recommended schedules of when they should be done:
- Skin screening - Self-check monthly for changing moles and freckles and yearly with a medical provider.
- Testicular self-exam - Self-check monthly.
- Blood pressure - Every year, unless otherwise indicated by a provider.
- STD screening - Screening for Syphilis, Chlamydia, rapid plasma reagin (RPR - Syphilis), and HIV. Every year, unless otherwise indicated by a provider.
- Physical exam - Every 3 years, unless otherwise indicated by a provider.
- Cholesterol screening - Every 5 years, or as otherwise indicated by a provider.
- Tetanus (Td) Booster - Every 10 years, unless otherwise indicated by a provider.
- HPV (Gardasil-9) Vaccine - Recommended for people ages 9 through 45 and protects against 9 HPV types, including some that cause cancer. The vaccine protects against new HPV infections but is not a cure for existing HPV infections or disease. Gardasil-9 is available at the SHWC and is a series of 3 injections. It is most effective when the second dose is given a month after the first dose and the third dose six months after the second dose.
- Dental Cleanings and Exams - Every six months for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you need more frequent visits.
- Eye Exam - Every one to two years. If you have diabetes, you should visit every year.
- Breast self-exam- Self-check monthly.
Talk to your provider if you are concerned about the results of a self-exam.