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Why Preventive Care Matters More as You Age
Once you hit your 40s and beyond, preventive care becomes less of a “nice to have” and more of a must. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer often don’t show symptoms until they’ve progressed. Regular screenings, checkups, and lifestyle guidance give you the chance to catch health problems early—when they’re easiest to treat.
What Is Adult Preventive Care?
Preventive care is more than just an annual physical. It’s a proactive plan that helps you stay healthy long-term. This includes:
- Annual checkups to assess your overall health
- Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer risks
- Vaccinations like flu, shingles, pneumonia, and tetanus boosters
- Lifestyle support for sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental health
Your doctor may also recommend specialized screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, or bone density tests depending on your age, sex, and family history.
What an Internist Can Do for Your Preventive Health
Internal medicine doctors (also known as internists) are specialists in adult health. They focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term management of diseases. Internists are trained to see how all of your body’s systems work together, making them ideal for guiding your preventive care.
Here’s why partnering with an internist makes sense:
- Holistic perspective – they monitor everything from heart health to hormone function
- Personalized plans – tailored based on your lifestyle and medical history
- Fewer referrals – many issues can be managed in one place
- Continuity of care – you’ll build a long-term relationship with a doctor who knows your full health story
What to Expect at a Preventive Care Visit
When you schedule a preventive care visit with an internist at BASS Medical Group, your appointment may include:
- A review of your medical and family history
- A discussion of your current lifestyle and symptoms
- A physical exam (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, etc.)
- Lab work or screening recommendations tailored to your age group
- A personalized plan for follow-up, lifestyle goals, or specialist referrals
Preventive Screenings to Know About After 40
Not sure if you’re overdue for something? Here’s a quick look at common screenings for adults 40+:
- Blood pressure – at least once every year
- Cholesterol panel – every 4–6 years, or more frequently if high-risk
- Colonoscopy – starting at age 45
- Mammograms – every 1–2 years for women starting at 40
- Diabetes screening – especially if overweight or with family history
- Bone density (DEXA scan) – recommended after 50 for women and 70 for men, or earlier if you have risk factors
Our BASS Imaging Center in Walnut Creek offers fast and convenient screening services, including DEXA scans and mammograms.
Make Preventive Care a Priority—Not an Afterthought
The reality is: skipping checkups can cost you. Many serious conditions are treatable—or even reversible—when caught early. Preventive care helps you stay ahead of illness, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and improve your quality of life.
Take Charge of Your Health with BASS Medical Group
At BASS Medical Group, our internal medicine team provides comprehensive adult care for patients across the Bay Area. Whether you need help managing blood pressure, reviewing your vaccine schedule, or booking a cancer screening, we’re here to help you stay on track.
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FAQ: Preventive Care for Adults
Q1: What screenings should I get after age 40?
Common screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer screenings (mammogram, colonoscopy). Your doctor will tailor recommendations to your individual health risks.
Q2: Can an internist handle all my preventive care needs?
Yes. Internists are trained in adult health and can manage everything from yearly checkups and bloodwork to diagnosing chronic conditions. They’ll also coordinate referrals when needed.
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