Take Time Now to Take Care of Yourself

Doctor advising patient on their medical history

You've probably heard the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." And when it comes to your health, that's more important than ever. Taking just a few steps in preventive care now can help avoid big problems in the future. It's well worth your time.

Step 2: Get the health screenings, tests, and checkups adults need

The next step is finding out what health screenings, tests, or checkups you need and making sure you get them.

Screenings are important because they can spot problems or diseases early, when they may be easier to treat. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you, since earlier or added screenings may be needed based on your health, age, race, gender, family history, and lifestyle.

Most screenings or tests can be done at your doctor's office. But for some, you may need to go elsewhere for special equipment. For a few, you may need to do something like fasting to get ready for the test. Talk with your doctor before the test about what to expect and how to prepare. After the test, talk about the results and any follow-up your doctor may advise.

Below is a guide that shows how often and at what ages most healthy adults should have screenings, tests, and checkups. You can use this guide to help talk with your doctor what is best for you. People with a family history of certain diseases and those with other risk factors may need more screenings or tests or have them done more often. Also check your Certificate of Coverage for questions about what your plan will cover.

Physical exam – Regularly, as your doctor advises. This exam should include measuring your weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). It's also a good time to talk to your doctor about ways to get more exercise, and about your mental well-being.

Cholesterol/lipid screening – Every five years, or more often if you are at risk or have above-normal levels of these fats in your blood. You need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before this screening. If you have heart problems or diabetes, you may need to be screened every year.

Diabetes screening and tests – About every three years depending on your age and risk factors. If you have diabetes, you should have the following tests every year: A1c test, LDL cholesterol, kidney test, and retinal or dilated eye exam. Ask your doctor to explain the reasons for the tests.

Blood pressure screening – Have your blood pressure checked regularly at least every one to two years if your blood pressure is normal (less than 120/80), more often if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

Bone density test – As your doctor says, usually around age 65. Some people may need this test more often after a bone fracture or if they are at high risk for osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak.

Eye exam – Every two to four years up to age 64, and then every one to two years. Eyes are tested for two common, age- related conditions: glaucoma and macular degeneration. A retinal eye exam also is needed each year if you have diabetes

Colorectal cancer screenings – Talk to your doctor about your risks and which screening and schedule are best for you. For people ages 50 and up, most doctors say patients need a fecal occult blood test every year, a flexible sigmoidoscopy every years five years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years. You doctor can explain the tests to you.

Mammogram – Every one to two years for women ages 40 and up. Younger women should follow their doctor's advice. Also talk to your doctor about breast exams in the office.

Pap smear and pelvic exam – At least every one to three years for women, depending on your age, history of a hysterectomy and past Pap testing results.

Talk to your doctor about your risks and which schedule is best.

Prostate exam for men – Talk with your doctor about your risks and what test and schedule are best for you.

Exams include a digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

Step 3: Keep your immunizations up to date

Immunizations, also called vaccinations, help make your immune system stronger and protect your body from certain diseases. They are often given in the form of shots. The protection you get from some shots lasts a lifetime. But the protection you get from others may fade over time, which means you will need a booster.

Some immunizations may be needed because of age, gender, medical conditions, your job, travel, and other factors. Your doctor can tell you if you are up to date or need any new shots or boosters. You can find out more about immunizations by referencing the Immunization Action Coalition PDF. http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4030.pdf

Medical Plans

Humana individual medical plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., or Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., or offered by Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Michigan, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., or Humana Medical Plan of Utah, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company or offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Texas residents, plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company or offered by Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc. These companies are Qualified Health Plan Issuers in the Health Insurance Marketplace, kynect, or Connect for Health Colorado.

Humana group medical plans are offered by Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00235-0008, Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation, or Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc. - A Health Maintenance Organization, or insured by Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, or Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00187-0009, or administered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. or insured by Humana Insurance Company. Administered by Humana Insurance Company.

HumanaVitality is not an insurance product.

Dental Plans

Humana individual dental plans are insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits). Discount plans are offered by HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company, or Texas Dental Plans, Inc.

Humana group dental plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Utah, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Vision Plans

Humana individual vision plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, The Dental Concern, Inc., or Humana Insurance Company of New York.

Humana group vision plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance Company of New York, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, or The Dental Concern, Inc.

Life and Supplemental Plans

Humana individual Life, Cash Cancer, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Memorial Fund, Junior Estate Builder and Accident plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., or Kanawha Insurance Company.

Humana group life plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, or Kanawha Insurance Company.

Long Term Disability and Short Term Disability

Humana long term disability and short term disability plans are offered by Kanawha Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company.

Workplace Voluntary Benefits

Humana Cancer, Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Life and Disability Income plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, Kanawha Insurance Company, or Humana Insurance Company of New York.

Please click here to view a complete list of the legal entities that offer, underwrite, administer or insure insurance products and services.

Limitations and exclusions

Our health benefit plans, dental plans, vision plans, life and supplemental plans, workplace voluntary benefit products, long term disability plans, and short term disability plans have exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. Our dental plans, vision plans, life and supplemental plans, workplace voluntary benefit products, long term disability plans, and short term disability plans may also have waiting periods. For costs and complete details of coverage, call or write Humana or your Humana insurance agent or broker.

Individual applications are subject to eligibility requirements.

Before applying for group coverage, please refer to the pre-enrollment disclosures for a description of plan provisions which may exclude, limit, reduce, modify or terminate your coverage. The plan provisions are available here or through your sales representative.

For group plans, please refer to your Benefit Plan Document (Certificate of Coverage/Insurance or Summary Plan Description) for more information on the company providing your benefits.

Statements in languages other than English contained in the advertisement do not necessarily reflect the exact contents of the policy written in English, because of possible linguistic differences. In the event of a dispute, the policy as written in English is considered the controlling authority.

Take Time Now to Take Care of Yourself

Step 1: Make the lifestyle changes that will make your life healthier

Step 2: Get the health screenings, tests, and checkups adults need

Step 3: Keep your immunizations up to date

Step 4: Keep a record

Take Time Now to Take Care of Yourself

Step 1: Make the lifestyle changes that will make your life healthier

Step 2: Get the health screenings, tests, and checkups adults need

Step 3: Keep your immunizations up to date

Step 4: Keep a record

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