Learn about the immunizations, screening tests you need to stay healthy.

How often should I see my doctor? Do I need to have an annual physical exam? When should I have a Pap test? Colonoscopy? Mammogram? If you’re asking yourself these questions, we have the answers.

Health maintenance and disease prevention are high priorities at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF). Our Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention Guidelines provide information about the immunizations, tests and evaluations our doctors recommend for healthy individuals, and how often they should be completed based on your age and gender.

PAMF’s Health Maintenance Guidelines Task Force — comprised of primary care doctors, specialists and health educators — reviews new information and regularly updates our recommendations regarding who needs which screening tests and when. We review the latest medical literature before making our recommendations.

Although these recommendations give you and your doctor guidelines for maintaining your health, your doctor will determine when it is appropriate for you to have certain immunizations and screening tests based on your individual and family health history.

10 Tips for Maintaining Your Health

1. Make sure your screening tests and immunizations are up-to-date.


2. Exercise aerobically. Use this formula to see what your heart rate should be: (200 – your age) x 0.7. Your goal is at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day.


3. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.


4. Eat foods low in saturated fat and trans fatty acids, high in calcium and fiber, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.


5. Practice safe sex. Use a reliable method of contraception.


6. Observe safety regulations when driving (wearing seat belts), and riding a bike or playing sports (wearing helmets).
7. Do not smoke, and avoid inhaling secondhand smoke. If you smoke, quit.
8. Seek early help for depression, mood changes, or alcohol or drug abuse.
9. Perform regular skin self-examinations. Protect your skin from sun damage with sunblock and protective clothing.
10. Find balance in your life between work, home and play time. Incorporate stress reduction activities into everyday life.

View our 2010 Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention Guidelines.

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