Preventive Care: Ages 19 to 39

The following is a summary of the preventive health care schedules for men and non-pregnant women ages 19 to 39 who have no risk factors for, or diagnosis of, a chronic disease or health condition. You should discuss the prevention steps listed with your health care provider. He or she will suggest a schedule that is tailored to your needs. The recommendations are derived from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Listed with each prevention step is the recommended frequency of performing the step.

When to Schedule a Visit

Men should see their doctor every five years for a complete preventive care visit. Women should schedule a visit every three to five years. Each visit includes a height and weight check, blood pressure check, preventive counseling, health risk assessment and any necessary screening tests or immunizations. Blood pressure checks may need to be done more often.

Screening Tests and Immunizations

Men and Women

• Blood pressure check: every two years.

• Diabetes screening if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Screening for depression if you've felt "down," sad or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight.

• Hepatitis B vaccine (series of three): if not done previously.

• Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis: adult diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine was approved in 2005 and is recommended every 10 years.

• Human papilloma virus (HPV): In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine Gardasil to prevent infection with HPV strains responsible for approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancers. The vaccine can be given to girls and women ages 9 to 26; it is now recommended as a routine vaccine for all girls ages 11 to 13.

• Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR): one dose. The CDC recommends that adults born during or after 1957 receive one dose of MMR unless they have a medical reason not to, have medical records showing they have already having been immunized, or have other acceptable evidence of immunity. Some people may need a second immunization; talk to your health care provider to find out if you need one.

• Meningococcal vaccination: first-year college students living in dormitories.

Men

• Cholesterol check: every five years, beginning at age 35. If you smoke or have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, begin checking your cholesterol checked at age 20.

• Sexually transmitted disease: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.

Women

• Clinical breast examination: every three years, beginning at age 20.

• Pap test and pelvic examination: every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. If you smoke or have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

• The FDA  approved a vaccine to prevent the human papilloma virus, a major cause of cervical cancer, in 2006.  All sexually active females age 24 or older should be vaccinated.

• Chlamydia: get tested if you are 25 or younger and sexually active; if you are older, talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested. Also, talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.

Risk Factors That May Alter Preventive Care Schedule

• High blood pressure; elevated cholesterol; smoking; fat stored above or near waist.

• Residents of chronic care facilities such as nursing homes; people with diabetes or chronic lung or kidney disease; health care workers who see patients at high risk.

• Chronic heart, kidney, or lung disease; diabetes; alcoholism; Hodgkin's disease; cirrhosis; sickle cell disease.

• For men: smoking; high blood pressure; African American; diabetes; obesity; sedentary lifestyle; family history of heart disease.

• History of ulcerative colitis, severe dysplasia (abnormal changes in cells) or Crohn's disease; mother, father, sister or brother with colon cancer; obstruction in flow of urine.

• Having first intercourse before age 18; history of several sex partners or a sexual partner who has had several other partners.

• A serious wound; a tetanus booster may be recommended if it has been more than five years since the last booster.

• Mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer; previous breast biopsy; personal history of cancer.

• Inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake for both genders, but especially women.

Lifestyle Habits

The lifestyle habits you establish now can affect how you feel and what your health problems may be in the future. It is important to establish positive health habits, such as getting regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco products and excessive alcohol use (more than two drinks a day for men, or more than one drink a day for women). Remember to use your seat belt, never drink and drive, and stay within the speed limit to reduce your risk of accidental injury.