Preventive Health Services

Preventive services for adult women

The following are preventive services recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians for adult women:

Ages 18 and up:

• Accidental injury counseling
• Screening and counseling for alcohol misuse
• Screening for cervical cancer
• Screening for chlamydia
• Screening for congenital rubella syndrome
• Counseling regarding benefits and risks of aspirin use to avoid coronary heart disease
• Screening for depression
• Screening for high blood pressure
• Screening for obesity by measuring height and weight
• Intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote sustained weight loss for obese adults
• Counseling to maintain adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis
• Advice regarding physical activity
• Counseling for parents who smoke regarding harmful effects of smoking on children's health
• Counseling regarding the risks for STD's and how to prevent them
• Screening for tobacco use and provide tobacco cessation interventions

Age 40 and up:

• All of the above
• Screening mammography every 1-2 years

Age 45 and up:

• All of the above
• Screening for high cholesterol

Age 50 and up:

• All of the above
• Screening for colorectal cancer

Age 60 and up:

• All of the above
• Screening for women at risk for fractures

Age 65 and up:

• All of the above
• Screening and counseling for hearing difficulties
• Screening for osteoporosis
• Screening for visual difficulties

Preventive screenings and exams are individualized for each patient according to their needs.  Additional screenings and counseling may be necessary according to risk factors.