18-40 Years Old
If you're 18-40 years old, you should have an adult tetanus shot (every ten years), a cholesterol check (every five years). Women will also need to include a PAP smear at least every one to three years.

40-50 Years Old
If you're 40-50 years old, you'll need an adult tetanus shot every ten years, a cholesterol check every five years. Women will need PAP smears every 1-3 years and a mammogram every year.

50-65 Years Old
If you're 50-65 years  old, you'll need an adult tetanus shot every ten years and cholesterol check every five years, An annual colorectal cancer screening including a check for blood in your stool, a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and a Sigmoidoscopy every five years. Women will need to add a PAP smear every one to three years and an annual mammogram.  Men will also need to discuss an annual Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test with their physician.

65 Years and Better
If you're 65 years old or older you'll need an adult tetanus every ten years, a cholesterol check every five years, a Sigmoidoscopy every five years, an annual check for blood in your stool, an annual flu vaccine, and a onetime pneumonia vaccine. Women need to include an annual mammogram and may need a  PAP Smear every one to three years. Men will  also need to discuss a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) once a year with their physician.

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What You Need to Know

Education is an important part of your preventive care plan. Knowing what behaviors to avoid in order to maintain your health is easy - just ask your physician. Discussing the following topics should be part of your preventive care plan.

alcohol and drug abuse: Do not use recreational drugs. Drink in moderation, if at all.

tobacco use: We strongly advise against tobacco use because of the many adverse effects on your health. If you currently use tobacco products, try to quit. There are many new approaches to help you stop using tobacco. 

seatbelt use: Always wear your safety belt when driving or riding in an automobile. Encourage all passengers in the car to "buckle-up."

sunscreen use: To minimize your risk of skin cancer, you must limit your exposure to the sun and harmful ultraviolet rays. Avoid spending time in the sun, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and protect yourself by covering exposed skin with a 30 SPF rating. Be alert for any changes in the size, shape, and color ,of pigmented areas. Also, do periodic self-examinations for any skin changes.

safe sexual practices: To minimize your risk of sexually transmitted diseases, know your partner's sexual history. Further limit your risk of exposure by limiting your number of sexual partners. The use of latex condoms along with a spermicide (nonoxynol 9) may also protect against sexually transmitted diseases.  Try to avoid high risk activities such as anal sex.   If you think you may be at risk or if you think may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, contact your physician for testing and treatment options.

dietary habits: Try to maintain a healthy diet,  including 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Also try to minimize saturated fat intake by limiting your intake of red meat, dairy products, and fatty foods. Eating a healthy diet may help you keep your blood cholesterol levels  and your weight within normal ranges, which in turn may minimize your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

testicular self exam: If you are a man over the age of 18, you should check your testicles for any lumps, swelling, or unusual growths every  month. Any abnormalities or unexplained pain in your testicles should be reported immediately to your physician.  If you are unsure about how to examine yourself, ask your physician to demonstrate this technique at your next exam.

physical inactivity: Physical inactivity is considered one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease and may also contribute to the development of  adult diabetes and high blood pressure.   Moderate physical activity has many health benefits, which include improvement in your cardiovascular fitness, helping you maintain a healthy weight and reducing stress.  As part of your healthy life-style, participation in moderate aerobic activity is recommended for 20-30 minutes from three to four times a week. (If you are over the age of 40, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.)

breast self exam: If you are a female over age 18, you should check your breasts monthly for lumps, nipple discharge, pain, and asymmetrical  appearance of your breasts. It is very important to do regular monthly breast self-examinations, even if you have had a mammogram.  If you are unsure about how to examine your breasts, ask your physician to demonstrate at your next visit.

advanced directives: Advanced Directives and "living wills" are documents that allow you to specify your wishes for health care treatment in the event you later become unable to participate in decision-making about your care. You are encouraged to complete advanced directives for your medical care and discuss your preferences with your family and with your physician. Standard forms are generally available from your physician's office, hospital, or attorney.

estrogen replacement: Estrogen replacement therapy (hormone replacement therapy) is used after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries to restore estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen replacement reduces a woman's risk of coronary artery disease, protects against bone loss (osteoporosis), and may reduce some of the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and emotional changes. The decision to begin hormone treatment depends on your personal medical history, your symptoms, and your risk of bone loss and cardiovascular disease. Please discuss hormone replacement options with your physician.

helmets: Although there have been recent changes in the Texas laws requiring the use of helmets when riding motorcycles and bicycles, we strongly encourage both children and adults to use helmets when operating bicycles or motorcycles, as well as rollerblading or skateboarding. Many closed-head injuries, leaving permanent brain damage, are easily prevented through the use of helmets.

calcium: All adults should include a minimum of l,000mg of calcium in their diet. Post- menopausal women and patients with chronic illnesses should include 1,500 mg/day of calcium and 400-800 IU of Vitamin D to promote absorption of calcium.

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