Controlling blood glucose is important. It slows the start and progression of eye disease caused by diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can injure the blood vessels in the eyes causing glaucoma and retinopathy. If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you get a retinal or dilated eye exam from an ophthalmologist or optometrist every year.

Controlling blood glucose is important. It slows the start and progression of heart diseases, nerve diseases and other complications caused by diabetes. An A1C test checks blood glucose levels over a period of time. The test should be done at least twice a year to screen for problems, with a goal of <7% for most people.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a yearly health checkup for all youths, aged 11 to 21. Because this is a time when many changes take place, a yearly exam is an important part of your teen’s health care. This visit gives your doctor a chance to do a physical exam, and you can ask questions about issues that arise during the teen years. It also helps your doctor follow your teen’s progress, including self-esteem and emotional balance. Plus, it's a great chance to encourage wellness and healthy behaviors, such as exercise and good nutrition.

Breast cancer is most easily treatable if it is caught early. Mammograms can often catch tissue changes well before a patient or physician could feel them. Women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every one to two years, even if they do not have a family history of breast cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers if it is found early or in the pre-cancer stages. Women ages 21 to 65 should get a Pap test every three years. Those between 30 and 65 may be able to get a Pap test every five years if they do HPV testing with or without a Pap test.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. However, it is 90% preventable with early screening. Colon cancer screening should start at age 50 and occur every ten years or sooner, based on your risk for colon cancer, until age 75. Other screening options are available, such as annual fecal immunochemical testing. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer as this puts you at higher risk.