Periodic Health Evaluations

One way to prevent or detect early disease is by having periodic health evaluations. The examinations and tests are designed to detect disease and monitor the status of your health. Screening tests may catch a problem at an early, treatable stage. Health care needs vary from person to person, age to age, and situation to situation. Periodic health evaluations may be recommended based upon your specific needs.

Here are 8 common health evaluations:

1. A review of your family and personal history determines your risk for chronic or inherited diseases.

2. Hygiene, diet, and exercise habits are identified during a fitness assessment.

3. A sexual evaluation checks growth and development, risk behaviors, birth control options, and disease prevention. This evaluation is based on age and gender.

4. Family relationship problems, personal growth issues, and abuse are determined by social and mental assessments.

5. One's risk is evaluated in a risk appraisal for such things as seat belt and helmet use, sun exposure, housing safety, smoking, drug and alcohol use.

6. Vaccinations are updated for such things as tetanus and hepatitis.

7. Tests (such as blood or urine analysis, ECG, and mammogram) screen for diseases

and other conditions.

8. A physical exam assesses one's overall health and is based on gender and age.

Your healthcare provider will review these findings and your history and recommend treatment or prevention. How often you return for care will depend upon your age, health, family history, risk factors, and health conditions.

To maximize your health, be sure to:

• eat a well-balanced, low fat, and high fiber diet

• do not smoke or use illegal drugs

• use alcohol moderately, if at all

• always use safety devices (such as bike helmets and seat belts) and

• exercise regularly

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