In your 20s
Now is the time to turn your awareness of good health into ACTION.
General health
Full checkup Including weight and height.
Sleep habits Discuss at your annual exam.
Thyroid (TSH) test Discuss with your doctor or nurse.
HIV screening Get this test if you are at risk for HIV infection (unprotected sex,
sexually transmitted disease, or used drugs with needles).
Heart health
Blood pressure test At least every two years.
Cholesterol panel Total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Bone health
Bone density screen None.
Diabetes
Blood glucose or A1c test Get screened if you have sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80,
take medicine for high blood pressure, or are at risk for developing diabetes.
Breast health
Breast self-exam Become familiar with your breasts so you can identify any changes
and discuss with your doctor or nurse.
Mammogram None.
Clinical breast exam At least every three years.
Reproductive health
Pap test At least every three years.
Pelvic exam Yearly, beginning at age 21.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating
sexual intercourse. Get a chlamydia test yearly until age 24 if sexually active.
After age 25, get this test if you have new or multiple partners.
Mental health screening Discuss with your doctor or nurse.
Eye and ear health
Comprehensive eye exam Discuss with your doctor.
Hearing test Every 10 years.
Skin health
Skin exam Monthly self-exam of skin and moles and as part of a routine
full checkup with your doctor or nurse.
Oral health
Dental cleaning and exam Every 12- 24 months; discuss with your dentist.
Immunizations
Seasonal influenza vaccine
Yearly.
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster vaccine Every 10 years.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Up to age 26, if your vaccine series is incomplete, discuss
with your doctor or nurse.
Meningococcal vaccine Discuss with your doctor or nurse if you are a college student
or military recruit.
Your Health through the Decades