Advanced Screenings

Chronic Conditions

Depression: If you've felt "down," sad or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she thinks you should be evaluated for depression.

Sleep Disorders: If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have sleep apnea, which has been linked to other health problems like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Consult with your primary care physician, who may refer you for a sleep study.

Asthma: If you experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night, consult with your physician who can determine if you have asthma.

Congestive Heart Failure: The most common signs of congestive heart failure are swollen legs or ankles or difficulty breathing. Your doctor can make the proper diagnosis and prescribe drugs and lifestyle changes to help.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Because COPD is a progressive disease, work closely with your physician to manage your condition and make lifestyle changes that will improve your quality of life and can slow the disease's progression. Tobacco use is the most common cause of COPD. If you are a tobacco user, discuss cessation options with your healthcare provider.

For Men

Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 20.

Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Colorectal Cancer: Begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. Start earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain diseases of the colon. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing for HIV for those between the ages of 13 and 64.

Prostate Cancer: Men over 50 (or 45 for African-Americans and possibly age 40 in those with a family history) should be offered an annual screening that includes a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of the test and help you decide what is right for you.

Learn more about men's health.

For Women

Pap Smears: Have a Pap smear every one to two years between ages 21 and 30. If you have risk factors for cervical cancer, such as HIV infection or many sexual partners, an annual Pap smear is recommended. The test for human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, is frequently done as part of the Pap test evaluation. Women over age 30 who have had three previous normal Pap smears should have a Pap smear every three years.

Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 20.

Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Colorectal Cancer: Begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50, earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain diseases of the colon. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.

Osteoporosis: Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested. Some situations merit testing at a younger age.

Chlamydia and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Have a test for chlamydia if you are 25 years old or younger and are sexually active. Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing for HIV for those between the ages of 13 and 64.