Laurel Creek Family Medicine - Recommendations to Keep You Healthy

Yearly Physical Exam
Cholesterol Screening
   Every 5 years after age 20
   Every 3 years after age 50
   More often if elevated
Pap Smears & Pelvic Examinations
Exam yearly after age 18 or with beginning of sexual activity
Mammogram
   baseline at age 40
   Every 1 to 2 years up to age 50
   Yearly after age 50
Prostate Exam
Yearly at age 50
Colon/Rectal Screening for Cancer
Starting at age 50 every 3-5 years
Immunizations
   Influenza (flu shot)
      Yearly after age 65, sooner if at high risk
   Pneumococcal Pneumonia
       Once after age 50, sooner if at high risk
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Every 10 years
MMR Booster if born after 1957

Other Steps to Keeping Healthy
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week. Ask your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.
Eat a low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Seatbelts can save your life. Wear them always.
Smoke detectors..on every level of your house, check batteries every year.
See a Dentist and Eye Doctor at least once a year.
Safe sex - If you have more than one partner, use a condom.
If you drink alcohol, do it moderately -- 1 to 2 drinks per day or less.
A Living Will or Power of Attorney ... ask your doctor for forms.
Depression - If you're feeling very down, please talk with your doctor.
Violence - If anyone is threatening or hurting you, please tell your doctor.