In your 30s

Do you know what needs to be done to take control of your health?

Now is the time to turn your awareness of good health into ACTION.

These are guidelines only. Your doctor or nurse will personalize the timing of each test to meet your specific healthcare needs. Scan this list below to review the recommended health screenings and immunizations. Need to schedule a screening, click this phone number to call: 573-629-3500. More information about each item is listed below.

GENERAL HEALTH

  • Full checkup — Including weight and height. Some women prefer to have the annual checkup with their OB-GYN and others prefer their Primary Care Provider. Beginning in your 30s, you may also want to consider transitioning to an Internist if you have multiple health conditions. Internal medicine physicians typically treat adults and specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and management of disease and chronic conditions. If you are in need of a primary care provider or an internist, contact: 573-629-3440. and for OB-GYN services, please contact 573-629-3500.
  • Sleep habits — Discuss at your annual exam. Your provider may offer a sleep study to review your sleep habits. It can help diagnose your sleep issues.
  • 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).
  • Hepatitis C (HCV) screening — Talk with your doctor.

HEART HEALTH

Talk with your primary care provider about your heart health concerns or contact a cardiologist for a heart screening. You can contact Hannibal Regional Medical Group Cardiologists at 573-629-3300

  • Blood pressure test — At least every two years.
  • Cholesterol panel — Total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides; discuss with your doctor or nurse.

DIABETES

Blood glucose or A1c test — As you age, monitoring your blood sugar levels becomes more and more important. Get screened, in your 30s, especially 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.
  • Clinical breast exam —Yearly.
  • Mammogram — Every 1-2 years. Official recommendations vary. Early detection is key when diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Discuss the schedule that is right for you with your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer. To schedule a mammogram or a 3D mammogram, call 573-248-5688.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Menopause is the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and fertility.It happens naturally with age.You may notice in your 30s that you begin to have some menopause symptoms like hot flashes and this is known as perimenopause. You can still get pregnant during this time.

  • Pap test — At least every three years.
  • Pelvic exam — Yearly.
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests —Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. Get a chlamydia test if you have new or multiple partners.
  • Contraception — Talk with your OB-GYN about your options for birth control.

MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

EYE AND EAR HEALTH

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING

  • Comprehensive eye exam — Several factors may determine how frequently you need an eye exam, including your age, health and risk of developing eye problems. General guidelines are as follows: Every 5 years in your 30s unless you already have vision correction glasses or contacts - you will want to see your eye doctor more often. 
  • Hearing test — Every 10 years. Hearing loss can be congenital, or present at birth, or can develop suddenly at any age due to medical conditions or certain medications. Generally, hearing loss is associated with aging and develops gradually later in life. If you have ringing in your ear, hearing loss, buzzing or vertigo. To schedule an appointment, call 573-629-3301.

SKIN HEALTH

Skin exam — Monthly self-exam of skin and moles and as part of a routine full checkup with your doctor or nurse. To schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon to review skin conditions, call 573-629-3500.

ORAL HEALTH

Dental cleaning and exam — Every 6 months; discuss with your dentist.

IMMUNIZATIONS

  • Seasonal influenza vaccine — Yearly. The flu shot is one of the easiest ways to help prevent the flu.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria- pertussis booster vaccine — Every 10 years.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.