Preventive Screenings SKIN CHECK AGE 20+ Starting in your 20s, it’s important to have your skin checked for signs of skin cancer. During an exam, your doctor looks for moles that are unusual in shape or color, larger than a pencil eraser, or that have changed over time. You should have a skin exam every one to two years between ages 20 and 40, and once a year after age 40. Be sure to also check your own skin once a month, identifying skin cancer early makes it much easier to treat. EYE EXAM AGE 20+ Eye exams not only check whether you need glasses or contact lenses, but also help detect vision problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having at least one exam in your 20s and two exams in your 30s. At age 40, you should get a baseline exam and then follow your doctor’s recommendations until age 64. Beginning at age 65, eye exams should be done every one to two years. DENTAL EXAM AGE 1+ The American Dental Association recommends starting regular dental exams by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in, and continuing with checkups every six months throughout life. These visits help detect tooth decay and oral cancer early, and allow your dentist to check your bite and spot issues such as teeth grinding or jaw joint problems. For women, regular dental care is especially important because hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and even monthly cycles can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health concerns. lhdbenefits.com | 401 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 200 | Indianapolis, IN 46280 | 317.705.1600