Interactive Tool: Which Health Screenings Do You Need?

What does this tool measure?

Click here to find your suggested health screenings.

This interactive tool asks you questions about your health and your health history. Then it creates a list of screening tests you may need. This tool is for adults age 21 and older who are not pregnant. If you are not in this group, talk to your doctor about the screening tests that are best for you.

Screening for a disease means having a test to find out if you have a disease when symptoms first appear or even before they appear. Screening is important, because the sooner your doctor diagnoses a disease, the more likely it can be cured or managed. Managing a disease, especially when you first get it, may reduce its impact on your life or prevent or delay serious problems.

The tool uses the current recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). USPSTF recommendations are sometimes different from those of other professional organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or the American College of Physicians. Always talk with your doctor to decide which screening tests are best for you and how often you may need them.

The tool asks you questions about:

• Gender and age. Your gender and age may raise your chances of getting certain diseases.
• Blood pressure. Blood pressure is given as two numbers separated by a slash. For example, 120/80 is read as "120 over 80." High blood pressure may put you at risk for heart problems.
• Diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at risk for other diseases.
• Cholesterol. Cholesterol and other fats are found in your blood. The level of cholesterol in your blood may put you at risk for heart problems.
• Family history. If others in your family currently have or have had high cholesterol levels, or have had a heart attack or a stroke, you may be at risk for heart problems.
• Lifestyle. Your lifestyle may put you at risk for certain diseases. Try not to be embarrassed by or angry with questions about your sex life or tobacco use. If you answer the questions honestly, you may prevent future health problems. The information you provide is confidential. It is deleted as soon as you close or exit the tool.

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: November 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.