Health Maintenance 101

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Refrain from or reduce alcohol use.
• Get recommended health screenings.

TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible for a range of clinical preventive examinations and periodic health screenings, based on age, health history, family history, and lifestyle (see chart below).

* Exams and screenings can identify problems before they become serious, and may even find problems before you have symptoms. So, pay attention to your body, watch for warning signs and see your doctor regularly.

Screening	Recommended for Men	Recommended for Women
Blood Cholesterol	Request a screening every 5 years beginning at age 18. Early screening is especially important if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, have a family history of heart disease or if you smoke.
Blood Pressure	Have your blood pressure checked a minimum of every 2 years.
Colorectal Cancer	Average Risk – Beginning at age 50, request a fecal occult blood test every year and a sigmoidoscopy/proctosigmoidoscopy every 3-5 years (or a colonoscopy every 10 years). Familial risk – Beginning at age 50, request a colonoscopy every 3-5 years. Note: Those with Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer Syndrome should request a colonoscopy every 2 years beginning at age 25.
Prostate Cancer	Available tests are prostatespecific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination, both of which should be performed annually for all men over age 50, as well as high-risk men ages 40–49.	N/A
Breast Cancer	N/A	One in eight women has a chance of getting breast cancer, so perform monthly self-checks for early detection. Request a mammogram every year beginning at age 40; age 35 if you have family history.
Cervical Cancer	N/A	Request a Pap smear every 1-3 years, starting at age 18 (or younger if sexually active).
Osteoporosis	N/A	If your doctor suspects you may have osteoporosis or osteopenia, he/she may request a bone density study.
Diabetes	If your doctor notices diabetic signs and symptoms during your routine examination, he or she may recommend diabetes tests.
Obesity	Ask your doctor to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which estimates body fat by comparing height and weight.
STDs/STIs	If you are sexually active, request a screening for HIV and other STDs/STIs.
Depression/Stress	If you’ve had prolonged feelings of sadness or anxiety, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

*See your TRICARE Beneficiary Handbook or visit the TRICARE Web Site for a more complete listing of covered clinical preventive services.