The Academy of Preventive Medicine provides the following recommendations for disease prevention, physical examinations and screening for diseases and conditions among different age groups and among women and men.
Children under 2 years of age
Development: Infants and young children should be examined for developmental delays and behavioral disorders. Assessment for genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, and galactosemia are recommended by examining blood obtained from the baby’s heel. Upon reaching 12 months of age, it is recommended to examine the blood for hemoglobin and hematocrit in order to diagnose anemia.
Teeth: When the child is one year old, it is necessary to examine the teeth. After the first teeth appear, they must be brushed with a toothpaste and toothbrush designed for babies. At the same time, the child should wean from the nipple.
Vaccines: The child should receive the main vaccines at an early age, namely vaccines against measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, polio, rubella, hepatitis B.
Children from 2 to 12 years of age
Vision and hearing: At 4 years of age and annually thereafter, checking a vision and auditory function is necessary.
Teeth: Children should brush their teeth twice a day: in the morning and before bedtime. Fluoride-rich toothpaste is recommended.
Vaccines: All routine vaccinations must be obtained, including boosting doses of pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. A meningococcal vaccine is also recommended, and for girls aged 11-12, a human papilloma virus vaccine (HPV) can be recommended to prevent cervical cancer in the future. Every year, children should receive an influenza vaccine.
Adolescents 13–18 years old
Heart: Blood pressure measurement must be taken annually.
Teeth: Brushing teeth twice a day.
Vaccines: Before entering the college, it is recommended to receive a meningococcal vaccine, and girls are recommended to receive a vaccine against human papilloma virus (if not previously vaccinated).
Adults 19–34 years old
Heart: Blood pressure should be checked at least every 2 years. If there are risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you smoke and have a hereditary predisposition to heart disease, you need to check your cholesterol level and the so-called blood lipid profile annually.
Dental Care: Brushing your teeth twice a day.
Women’s health: All women under 24 years of age who have an active sex life should be checked regularly for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
Women aged 21 years and thereafter every three years until 65 years of age are encouraged to be assessed using the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) for early detection of cervical cancer.
Vaccination: Every year, in the early autumn, it is recommended to be vaccinated against influenza. In addition, depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend other vaccines.
Adults ages 35 to 49
Heart: Blood pressure should be checked regularly. Blood cholesterol levels must be checked in men starting at the age of 35, and in women starting the age of 45.
Diabetes: It is recommended that you check your blood glucose annually for an early diagnosis of diabetes. If abnormalities are found, it is important to go through a more in-depth medical checkup.
Vaccines: An influenza vaccine is recommended every year in early autumn. Your doctor may recommend additional vaccines, depending on your risks.
Women’s Health: Every three years, a Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is needed for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. In some cases, such a test is recommended to be carried out more often.
Nutrition: Women after 30 years of age is recommended taking 1000 mg of calcium daily to prevent osteoporosis. Also, doctor may recommend taking vitamin D.
Adults aged 50 to 64 years
Heart: It is necessary to regularly measure blood pressure and check the level of cholesterol in the blood every 5 years. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a regular intake of special cardiological aspirin to prevent heart disease.
Teeth: In this age group, the likelihood of developing periodontitis increases. In addition to regular (twice a day) brushing, you need to consult a dentist every six months for a more complete cleaning of the teeth.
Women’s Health: Women are advised to undergo a mammogram every two years to detect breast cancer at early stages.
Pap smear tests need to be done for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Women are advised to take 1000 mg of calcium daily to prevent osteoporosis. In case of increased risk, the doctor may recommend densitometry – a bone density test. It is also recommended to take vitamin D – preferably in an aqueous solution.
Prostate: Men are recommended to perform a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Colon: All individuals over 50 years of age are advised to undergo a colon examination for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It is necessary to consult a doctor about which test and how often to be administered.
Vaccination: An influenza vaccine should be given annually in early fall.
Persons over 65 years of age
Cardiovascular system: It is necessary to regularly measure blood pressure and every 5 years to check the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Men who have ever smoked are advised to regularly undergo an ultrasound scan of the abdomen for early diagnosis of aneurysm (expansion) of the aorta – the largest blood vessel.
Teeth: In this age group, the likelihood of developing periodontitis and tooth decay is increased. This is due to the fact that the release of saliva is reduced. In addition to regular (twice a day) brushing, you need to consult a dentist every six months for a more complete cleaning of the teeth.
Women’s Health: Women are advised to take 1000 mg of calcium daily to prevent osteoporosis. It is necessary to undergo densitometry annually – a test for bone density.
Prostate: A periodic blood test for PSA antigen is recommended for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Vaccination: In addition to the annual influenza vaccine, a pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended.