An online article for consumers about wellness exams for Blue Cross Blue Shield - the first of a series of twelve monthly online articles on various healthcare topics

1. Login - Blue Access for Members - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois 1/13/09 3:48 PM
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Plan Ahead to Make a Difference I need to...
Plan Ahead to Make a Difference
We often plan ahead for special events such as birthdays, anniversaries and vacations.
When it comes to your health, do you mark your calendar with your physical exam date or
bi-annual dental checkup date? Scheduling the exam is a big step, but it is only part of the
preparation. Take an active role to make the most of the short time allotted for your doctor
visit.
The following routine physical exams and immunizations are categorized by age group and
gender for your convenience. Ask your doctor for more information if you are not sure what
applies to you and how often these test should be done. It may be helpful to print each
related checklist and keep it on record for future appointments.
All Adults
Women
Men
Infants and Children
New and Frequently Overlooked Tests
All Adults
Weight & Blood pressure: At least every two years.
Diabetes Screen: If you have obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol every
3 years.
Cholesterol & HDL: Every five years, starting at age 35 (male) or 45 (female). If
you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start at age 20.
Colorectal cancer test: Starting at age 50.
Flu shot: Every year, starting at age 50 or if other high-risk conditions exist. Some
experts recommend considering flu shots for everyone starting at age 18.
Tetanus-diphtheria shot: Every 10 years.
Pneumonia shot: Once at age 65, or earlier if you have certain health problems
such as diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Sexually transmitted disease test: Ask your doctor if you should be tested.
Women Only
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2. Login - Blue Access for Members - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois 1/13/09 3:48 PM
Pap smear: Every one to three years, beginning at age 21 or within 3 years of first
sexual intercourse.
Breast exam: Annually, starting at age 40.
Mammogram: Every one to two years starting at age 40, or more frequently if
breast cancer runs in the family.
Bone density test: At age 65, or earlier if you weigh 154 pounds or less, to check
for osteoporosis.
Men Only
Prostate cancer test: If you are age 50 or older (40 for African-Americans), talk to
your doctor about the possible benefits and dangers of a prostate cancer screening
before having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm test: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally
large or swollen blood vessel in the abdomen. If you are between the ages of 65
and 75 and have ever smoked, you need to be screened once.
Infants and Children
Infants, children and teenagers have a set regimen of measures, tests and immunizations
that should be performed at certain ages. Ask your pediatrician for a list or see our online
chart and article.
New and Frequently Overlooked Tests
Skin cancer test: You can help by checking for the ABCDs: asymmetric moles or blemishes
that have changed color or that are larger than ! inch in diameter. However, a suspicious
spot may be in an area you can't see. Recent research suggests that melanomas on the
scalp or neck are twice as deadly as those on other parts of the body. Ask for a skin cancer
test during your annual visit, especially if you are over age 50, are fair skinned and/or had
childhood sunburns.
Mood tests: Depression is not always obvious. Symptoms can differ from the stereotypical
feelings of hopelessness or sadness, and can include an increased temper, procrastination
at work or school or overindulgence in alcoholic beverages. Because depression is especially
hard to recognize when you are in the midst of it, ask for a depression screening, which
consists of a series of simple questions.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are under the care
of a doctor and receive advice contrary to the information contained in this mailer, follow the doctor's
advice. See your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms or health problems.
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