Learn about common health topics, including how to manage certain conditions, and how regular screenings can lead to early detection and treatment of disease.
Review a list of things to do to prepare for a check-up.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. Because early stage cancers usually do not cause symptoms, a person could have polyps or even colorectal cancer and not know it. That’s why having a screening test is so important. Before they have a chance to become cancerous, polyps can be found with a screening test and removed early, when treatment works best.
Regular screening beginning at age 50 is recommended for everyone to help prevent colon cancer. There are several different types of colorectal cancer screenings; talk to your doctor about which type, and frequency, is right for you.
Diabetes
MVP’s Diabetes Education Webinar Series
Watch MVP’s Diabetes Education Webinar Series.
Tests and Exams
There are certain tests and exams that people living with diabetes should have at least yearly. Talk to your doctor about your results so you can understand what they mean to you.
Retinal Eye Exam
A yearly retinal exam by an eye doctor should be done because over time, diabetes can affect your eyes. This exam should be done even if your medical doctor has examined your eyes, and even if your vision seems fine.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
This test should be performed every three to 12 months and shows your average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. The higher the levels, the greater your risk of developing complications, including kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage, and circulation problems. A result of less than 7% can reduce your risk of these complications. Your doctor will tell you how often you need the test based on your treatment goals.
Urine Protein
This test checks for early signs of kidney problems from diabetes which can be treated to help prevent future problems.
LDL Level
Sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, it contributes to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Most people with diabetes need to be on cholesterol lowering medication to help reduce LDL cholesterol.
Complete Foot Exam
People living with diabetes are prone to poor circulation, nerve damage, foot ulcers, and infections, which can lead to serious foot problems. Therefore, a formal foot examination should be completed each year.
For extra support with managing diabetes, learn more about MVP’s Diabetes Care Program.
Flu (Influenza)
Many doctors say that having the flu and COVID-19 (coronavirus) at the same time could be very dangerous, even for healthy adults. That’s why this year, getting your flu shot is more important than ever.
Learn more about flu shots, including benefits, common myths, and convenient ways to get yours this year.
Weight Loss
Breast Cancer
A mammogram can help find a lump in your breast up to two years before you or your doctor notice it. That’s why a routine mammogram is recommended every one-to-two years for women age 50-74.
Learn more about early detection and diagnosis.
Cervical Cancer
When cancer forms in the cervix, it is often slow-growing and does not show symptoms. However, with routine screenings, it can be found early, when it is most treatable. A Pap test is the type of screening used to find cervical cancer and is recommended for women starting at age 21. Talk to your doctor to see if you are due for a Pap test.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), so vaccination is recommended for everyone up to age 26. Catch-up vaccination to age 45 is available for people at risk.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
From the early days of pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond, learn tips for a healthy pregnancy and baby, and MVP programs that can support you along the way.
Learn More
Men’s Health
The first step that men should take in maintaining their health is scheduling an annual check-up with their primary care physician (PCP). By visiting the doctor when healthy and symptom free, men can work with their doctor to maintain their health or identify any problems early, when they are easier to treat.
Men should discuss the following with their doctor:
