Preventive and Well Care

The following preventive care services are offered at the Student Health Center

Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider to find out what's included in your plan. For more information about the Affordable Care Act visit HealthCare.Gov.

---

A wellness exam is a comprehensive check-up aimed at maintaining and improving your health. During a wellness exam, your healthcare provider will:

1. Review your medical history
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Update vaccinations as needed
4. Discuss lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and mental health
5. Provide guidance on healthy living
6. Recommend screening tests based on risk factors and health status

 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides the following evidence-based screening recommendations:

1. Blood pressure:

• Who should be screened?
  • Screening for high blood pressure should be done at least every 2 years in adults 18 and older. More frequent screening may be recommended for adults over 40 or those with history of prehypertension.
• Why is this important?
  • High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. Regular screenings can help manage and reduce these risks.

 

2. Cholesterol:

• Who should be screened?
  • Screening for high cholesterol is recommended for adults 40-75 who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. (See risk factors below).
• Why is this important?
  • High cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Early detection and management through lifestyle changes and/or medications can reduce these risks

 

3. Diabetes:

• Who should be screened?
  • Screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended for adults 35-70 who are overweight or obese. Patients with additional risk factors may need to be screened earlier (See risk factors below).
• Why is this important?
  • Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot properly process blood sugar, leading to high levels that can damage organs and tissues. Early detection can help manage and prevent complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems to name a few.

 

4. Chlamydia and gonorrhea:

• Who should be screened?
  • Yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is recommended for sexually active women under 25, women over 25 who are at increased risk for infection (See risk factors below), men who have sex with men, and persons living with HIV.
• Why is this important?
  • These infections often have no symptoms but can cause serious reproductive health problems. Treating these infections in a timely manner can help prevent complications and reduce transmission to other partners.

 

5. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):

• Who should be screened?
  • HIV testing should be done at least once between the ages of 15 and 65. More frequent testing may be recommended based on risk factors (See risk factors below).
• Why is this important?
  • Early detection of HIV allows for timely treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing risk of transmitting the virus to others.

 

6. Hepatitis C:

• Who should be screened?
  • A one-time hepatitis C screening is recommended for all adults ages 18-79.

• Why is this important?
  • Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Early detection allows for treatment that can clear the virus and prevent long term complications.

 

7. Cervical cancer:

• Who should be screened?
  • Women ages 21-29 should have a pap smear every 3 years.
  • Women ages 30-65 should have pap smear along with an HPV test every 5 years.
• Why is this important?
  • Early detection of cervical cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce risk of complications and death.

 

8. Depression:

• Who should be screened?
  • Recommended for all adults.
• Why is this important?
  • Depression is a common but serious condition. Regular screening is important as it allows for timely treatment/interventions to improve mental health and overall quality of life.

 

Note: These recommendations may vary based on your individual risk factors and medical history. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate screenings for you.

 

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Family history of cardiovascular disease, particularly in first degree relatives
• Tobacco/cigarette use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity

 

Risk factors for diabetes

• Obesity
• Age 45 or older
• Tobacco/cigarette use
• High blood pressure
• Family history (Parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes)
• Physically active less than 3 times a week.
• History of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
• History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Race - African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk.

 

Risk factors for chlamydia/gonorrhea for women 25 years or older

• A previous or coexisting sexually transmitted infection
• A new or multiple sex partners
• A sex partner having sex with other partners at the same time
• A sex partner with a sexually transmitted infection
• Inconsistent condom use when not in a mutually monogamous relationship
• A history of exchanging sex for money or drugs
• A history of incarceration

 

Risk factors for HIV

• Men who have sex with men
• IV drug use
• Unprotected anal or vaginal sex with more than one partner with unknown HIV status
• Exchanging sex for drugs or money
• Having other STIs or a sex partner with an STI
• Having sex with a partner living with HIV