Health Screenings

Health screenings in primary care are preventive medical tests or examinations designed to assess a person's overall health, detect potential health issues, and identify risk factors for diseases before symptoms become apparent. The primary goals of health screenings are to promote early disease detection, enable timely intervention, and ultimately improve health outcomes. At Everlast Wellness Group, these screenings are typically performed during routine check-up appointments with your primary care provider or a referral may be made to other specialists if necessary. Common health screenings include: 

Blood Pressure Measurement: Checking blood pressure is a routine part of primary care visits. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. 

Cholesterol Level & Other Cardiovascular Testing: These are blood tests to measure cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, or other advanced blood tests such as apolipoprotein B or LDL particle size to help assess the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Blood Sugar & Insulin Testing: These tests, often performed through fasting blood glucose or HbA1c levels, help screen for diabetes or prediabetes. 

Body Mass Index (BMI) Measurement: BMI is a calculation based on height and weight that helps assess if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. 

Mammograms: A breast cancer screening tool for women, typically recommended starting at a certain age (usually around 40) and is performed annually or every 2 years depending on your age or risk.  

Pap Smears: This is a cervical cancer screening test that is performed every 5 years after age 30 up until age 64. Additionally, a test for HPV (human papillomavirus) is added to the Pap test, which results in much better detection of abnormalities. You may stop getting screened after age 65 if you have a history of normal Pap smears. Women who had their cervix and uterus removed (hysterectomy) generally do not need further screening for cervical cancer. 

Colorectal Cancer Screening: This may involve fecal occult blood tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or you may be provided with a kit to obtain a stool sample from home. 

Bone Density Scans: This test (commonly known as a “DEXA scan”) assesses bone health and the risk of osteoporosis. It is typically recommended for postmenopausal women, older adults, those with history of fractures, and if you’re taking certain medications. This test is typically done every 2 years. 

Skin Examinations: A visual examination of the skin helps detect skin cancer or other dermatological issues. A full body skin examination is recommended annually or more frequently as needed depending on your current medical conditions or risk factors. 

Vision and Hearing Tests: Assessments of vision and hearing may help identify problems in order to prescribe corrective measures. Vision and other eye examinations are generally recommended every 1-2 years depending on your age and current medical conditions. Hearing tests are generally recommended every 3 years.  

Lung Function Tests: Spirometry tests can help diagnose and monitor lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spirometry tests measure how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how easily and fast you can blow the air out of your lungs.  

STD Screenings: Sexually transmitted disease screenings, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, are recommended based on risk factors and sexual activity. 

EKGs & Other Cardiac Tests: Depending on your current health status, these tests assess cardiovascular health and can help detect heart disease and related risk factors.  

Blood Tests for Specific Conditions: Some individuals may require additional blood tests to screen for specific conditions or deficiencies (e.g., thyroid function, vitamin levels). 

The frequency and timing of these screenings can vary based on individual health history, family history, lifestyle, and guidelines from healthcare organizations. It's important to discuss with your primary care provider which screenings are appropriate for your age and risk factors and to adhere to recommended screening schedules to maintain good health and detect potential issues early. Early detection through screenings can lead to more effective treatment and better health outcomes.