In Your 20s

• 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 - This is a personal preference. If you are in need of a primary care provider you may contact: 573-629-3440 and for OB-GYN services, please contact 573-629-3500.
• 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).

In your 20s, it is a good time to get a baseline cholesterol panel. Talk with your primary care provider about having this done - especially if heart disease runs in your family. If there are major concerns, your primary care provider will refer you to a cardiologist.

• Blood pressure test — At least every two years. This will be completed at your annual visit.
• Baseline cholesterol panel — Total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

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. Ask your primary care provider about the benefits of knowing your blood sugar levels. If you have a family member that has previously been diagnosed with diabetes, it will be important to monitor and work to prevent the onset of diabetes. You can quickly be screening at our Hannibal Regional Medical Group Family Practice by scheduling an appointment 573-629-3440 or you can use our walk-in service at 6500 Hospital Drive.

In your 20s, it's important to establish a relationship with an OB/GYN. They are able to provide reproductive health screenings, contraception counseling, infertility testing and prenatal care. For more information about OB/GYN services, call 573-629-3500.

• Pap test — At least every three years, beginning at age 21.
• 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.
• Contraception — Discuss with your OB-GYN about your options for birth control.

Discuss with your doctor or nurse. They will be able to connect you to the appropriate professionals.

• 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 - 10 years in your 20s.
• 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 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.

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

• 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. In your 20's, is a good time to see if you need a booster.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine — Up to age 26, if your vaccine series is incomplete, discuss with your doctor or nurse. To schedule an appointment, call 573-629-3400.
• Meningococcal vaccine — Discuss with your doctor or nurse if you are a college student or military recruit.