Preventive Health Care: A Proactive Approach to Better Health

Busy schedules often make it easy to postpone routine health care, but preventive care is the most important way adults can protect their long-term wellness. Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers can develop quietly for years. Finding them early can lead to simpler treatment at earlier stages, better outcomes, and fewer complications.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of prevention experts, recommends several adult screenings. They include:

• Blood pressure screening – Recommended for all adults because hypertension often has no warning signs.
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes – Important for adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese.
• Colorectal cancer screening – Recommended beginning at age 45 for adults at average risk.
• Women – The USPSTF recommends breast cancer screening and cervical cancer screening for women with a cervix.
• Lung cancer screening – Recommended for certain adults with a significant smoking history.
• HIV screening – Advisable for sexually active people ages 15 to 65.
• Hepatitis C screening – Recommended for adults ages 18 to 79.
• Cholesterol and overall heart-disease risk should also be reviewed with a clinician, especially for adults ages 40 to 75.

Vaccinations are another essential part of prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), guided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommends that adults stay current on flu vaccination every year, COVID-19 vaccination as recommended for age and health status, and a Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus and diphtheria once, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.

Adults may also need MMR or chickenpox vaccines if they lack immunity. The CDC recommends:

• HPV vaccination through age 26, with shared decision-making for some adults ages 27 to 45.
• Shingles vaccination for adults age 50 and older.
• Pneumococcal vaccination for older adults and people with certain health conditions.
• Hepatitis B vaccination for adults through age 59 and for older adults with risk factors.
• RSV vaccination for adults age 75 and older, some adults ages 50 to 74, and pregnant people during RSV season.

Preventive care is not one-size-fits-all, so adults should bring their vaccine history, family history, medications, and questions to each visit. A short conversation with a primary care provider can turn a busy schedule into a realistic plan for staying healthy.

Don’t wait for symptoms to make your health a priority. Schedule a preventive care visit with your healthcare provider to review which screenings and vaccinations are right for you.