1. What checkups and tests do I need and how often should I get them?
2. What sorts of immunizations do I need as an adult woman?

TEST	FREQUENCY
blood pressure measurements	every 2-3 years
breast exams	monthly SELF exams; annual health care provider
mammography	after age 40, every 1-2 years; check with your health care provider for your personal risk needs
cholesterol levels	every 5 years after age 18
pelvic exams/PAP smears	every 1-3 years after age 18 or when sexually active
rectal exams	annually over age 50; earlier if you have inflammatory bowel disease or first-degree relative with colon cancer
blood sugar levels	varies depending on family history and personal risk factors for diabetes
skin exams	annual mole checks; self-inspection for suspicious growths
dental exams	twice a year for checkup and cleaning
HIV test	if you had a blood transfusion between 1987 and 1985; have injected illegal drugs; have had multiple sexual partners or have had sex with a man who had sex with another man
syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia tests	if you have had multiple sexual partners or any sexually transmitted diseases
tuberculosis test [TB]	if you have injected illegal drugs; have been an alcoholic or a health care worker; have been exposed to someone with tuberculosis; have recently moved from Asia, Africa Central or South America or the Pacific Islands; or if you have kidney failure or HIV infection

2. What sorts of immunizations do I need as an adult woman?

Adults need immunizations ["shots"] to prevent serious diseases. You should get a tetanus-diphtheria shot every ten years. At age 65 you should get a pneumococcal ["pneumonia"] shot and begin having influenza ["flu"] shots every year

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