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.