It's Time to Take Care of You
No matter how old you are, there are simple things you can do to maintain or improve your health. Getting important tests and screenings done can help identify signs of disease or other health issues early when they are easier to treat. These become even more important as you get older.
Most Paramount Healthcare plans cover preventive screenings with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about your risk factors and recommendations for your screening schedule. If you don’t have a provider, use our Find a Provider tool to find one in your network and located nearby.
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High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, can go undetected and greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases. The American Heart Association recommends that starting at age 18, if your blood pressure is normal, it should be checked yearly during regular healthcare visits.
Learn more about risks to your heart and ways to keep it healthier in our Heart Health booklet and find more tips for managing your blood pressure in our Heart Health checklist.
High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. A blood test is used to measure your good and bad cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends everyone over age 20 who does not have heart disease have a cholesterol test every four to six years. People with known heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or are tobacco users may need to have their cholesterol level checked more often. Your cholesterol levels can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication, such as a statin, if taken as directed by your PCP.
Colonoscopies are the preferred colorectal cancer screening and need to be done once every 10 years (based on your results) starting at age 45. Other screening options are available as well. Talk to your PCP about a screening schedule and what options could work for you.
Learn more about screening options from the National Cancer Institute.
Beginning at age 40, women should be screened for breast cancer every two years. Talk with your PCP about a schedule that’s right for you. Mammogram facilities may offer evening or weekend hours, and some don’t even require an appointment. You can call your provider to see if this is an option for you.
Learn more about screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women ages 21-65. Women ages 21-29 should have a Cervical cytology (Pap test) every three years. Starting at age 30, women should talk to their PCP about which of the following testing schedules is the right fit:
- A Pap test every three years
- An HPV (human papillomavirus) test every five years
- An HPV test along with a Pap test every five years
Learn more about cervical cancer screenings and preventative measures you can take.
Adults ages 35-70 who are overweight, have a parent or sibling with diabetes or are physically active less than three times per week should be screened for diabetes.
Learn more about diabetes warning signs and symptoms.
Diabetes Management
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several tests you should get to help you better manage your condition, including A1C tests and dilated eye exams. Take a look at our Diabetes Checklist and Diabetes Resource Guide to learn more.
Anyone who has experienced sadness, loss of appetite, insomnia, oversleeping, difficulty concentrating or fatigue for over two weeks should be screened for depression. Women who are pregnant or postpartum can also experience depression and should seek help.
For more information about depression from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, click here.
You can also view our Mental Health Brochure to learn more about stress, anxiety and depression.
Osteoporosis is a disease that primarily affects women over age 50. It makes your bones weak and brittle and can lead to a curved backbone or compressed fracture of your spine. That can cause back pain, height loss and stooped posture. It can also increase your risk of bone fractures. A bone mineral density test is the only method of diagnosing osteoporosis. It’s a simple test that measures how much calcium you have in your bones. It lasts about 10-20 minutes, and no special preparation is necessary.
Prostate cancer screening is typically recommended for men starting at age 55. But you should start talking with your PCP at age 40 to decide what’s right for you based on your age and risk level.
Learn more about prostate cancer screenings from the American Cancer Society.
Extra Resources
Below are some additional resources you can check out to learn more about ways you can stay healthy.
Be sure to make an appointment with your PCP every year for a checkup. Take a look at our PCP checklist for tips on topics to discuss.
Vaccines, like annual flu shots, work with your immune system to prevent diseases and infections. You can get most vaccines at your PCP’s office, local pharmacies, public health clinics and community locations. Talk with your PCP about what vaccines you need and when you should have them. Here is the most recent vaccine schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Poor oral health has been linked to serious systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Regular dental care – including daily brushing and flossing, routine dental visits, and early treatment of oral disease — helps prevent complications that can affect the entire body. Maintaining good dental health is not just about protecting teeth and gums; it is a vital component of preventing chronic disease, supporting overall health, and improving quality of life.
Learn more about the importance of oral health and reccomendations from the CDC.
If you’re ready to get on the pathway to improved health, we’ll be there every step of the way. MedMutual WELL is our wellness portal and mobile app filled with fun and engaging activities that can support your journey and inspire you to achieve your goals.
Register or Log in to MedMutual WELL.