By: Lcda. Lizeiry M. Rivera Angulo
Health Educator
Starting the year by taking care of your health is a bright decision. Even if you feel fine, many health problems progress silently. Prevention lets you find problems on time and keep up a good quality of life.
The annual check-up begins with your general practitioner or primary care physician. This type of doctor takes care of the general and coordinated care of your health, regardless of your age or sex. General practitioners, internists, family doctors, and pediatricians (in the case of children) are qualified professionals to assess your individual needs, perform general check-ups, and recommend specialists, if necessary.
Here, I’ll clearly what preventive care is most important based on your age and sex, along with recommended vaccines.
Young adults (20-39 years old)
This stage is ideal for creating healthy habits. During each health care visit, your blood pressure, weight, and height should be measured, and a routine physical exam should be performed.
If you’re sexually active, it’s recommended to check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as HIV, even without symptoms. Mental health is also prevention: checking depression and anxiety is recommended.
Vaccines: yearly flu, COVID-19 as indicated, Td/Tdap (booster every 10 years), and HPV up to age 26 (and some adults up to 45, based on risk).
Preventive health in women
If you’re a woman, there are key care measures you shouldn’t miss. A PAP TEST (PAP) is recommended every three years to prevent cervical cancer, or combined tests, based on your age and medical recommendation.
From age 35, talk about your medical record and breast cancer detection tests with your doctor. Mental health, along with postpartum depression and anxiety, should be regularly evaluated.
Vaccines: yearly flu, COVID-19, HPV based on age, and Tdap during each pregnancy.
Preventive health in men
If you’re a man, in addition to routine exams, it’s vital to check for STIs, as well as HIV, based on your risk, and check blood pressure from an early age. From age 40, talk prostate cancer exams with your doctor, making informed choices based on your risks and preferences.
Vaccines: yearly flu, COVID-19, Td/Tdap based on schedule, and others based on health issues.
Adults over 40
From age 40, a colorectal cancer exam is urged. Women should continue with mammograms based on medical recommendation. It’s also vital to test blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and mental health.
Vaccines: yearly flu, COVID-19, herpes zoster (shingles) from age 50, and pneumococcal based on age or medical conditions.
Starting the year with preventive care and up-to-date vaccines is an act of self-love. Make an appointment, ask about your preventive care, and take care of your body and mind. Good health today is your well-being tomorrow.
TSS-MKT-6145-2026-B