When it comes to staying healthy, knowledge and early action are powerful tools. Preventative care helps you catch potential issues before they become major health problems. Whether you’re in your 20s, 50s, or beyond, knowing which screenings to get—and when—can make all the difference.
If you’re in Northern Colorado and wondering, “where can I find a preventative health screening near me?” this guide will help you understand what to expect at every stage of life and how your Colorado primary care clinic can support you along the way.
Key Points — Preventative Screenings to Discuss
- Screening recommendations vary by age, lifestyle, and health history.
- Common preventative checks include cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose testing, and cancer screenings.
- Women may need Pap smears and other reproductive health screenings depending on age and risk factors.
- Preventative care is personalized — your primary care provider helps determine what you need.
- Building a consistent relationship with your provider supports long-term health and early detection.
Why Preventative Screenings Matter
Preventative screenings are the backbone of long-term wellness. They allow your provider to detect early warning signs of disease—sometimes before you ever feel a symptom. At your Greeley, Colorado primary health care clinic, your provider can help you create a personalized plan based on your age, family history, and lifestyle.
When you stay proactive, you save time, money, and stress. Regular screenings can also help your provider track your overall health and guide lifestyle adjustments to keep you feeling your best.
Recommended Preventative Screenings by Age
Every decade of life brings new health considerations. Here’s what you should discuss with your Greeley primary care provider at each stage.
In Your 20s and 30s: Building a Healthy Foundation
This is the time to create habits and establish a relationship with a primary care provider who knows you. Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to schedule an annual wellness exam.
Common screenings include:
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Blood pressure checks: Starting in early adulthood and at least every two years.
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Cholesterol tests: Typically starting at age 20, earlier if you have family history of heart disease.
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Cervical cancer screening: Pap smears every three years starting at age 21 (for women).
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Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing: As recommended based on risk factors.
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Immunizations: Keep up to date with Tdap, HPV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines.
Your Colorado primary care clinic can also help with lifestyle counseling around exercise, diet, stress management, and birth control or family planning.
In Your 40s: Prevention and Early Detection
Your 40s are a key transition period for long-term health. Many conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, start to appear during these years—often silently.
Talk to your provider about:
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Blood glucose (diabetes) screening: Especially if overweight or with family history.
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Cholesterol screening: Every 4–6 years, or more often if high risk.
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Mammograms: Women should discuss starting screening around age 40, depending on family history and risk.
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Colorectal cancer screening: Some adults may begin screening as early as 45.
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Skin exams: To detect early signs of melanoma or other skin cancers.
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Vision and hearing tests: To establish baselines for any age-related changes.
This is also a great time to check hormone levels and discuss any changes in mood, sleep, or energy.
In Your 50s and 60s: Staying Ahead of Chronic Conditions
Preventative care becomes even more crucial during these decades. Chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis become more common—but early detection keeps them manageable.
Screenings to expect:
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Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years or as advised.
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Mammogram: Every 1–2 years for women through age 74.
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Prostate cancer screening: Men should discuss PSA testing starting at age 50.
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Bone density test: For women 65+ or younger women with risk factors.
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Lipid panel and blood pressure checks: Regularly, to assess heart health.
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Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT for those 50–80 with a smoking history.
Your Colorado primary health care provider will also review vaccines like shingles and pneumonia to protect your immune system as you age.
70s and Beyond: Maintaining Independence and Vitality
Your later years are all about maintaining quality of life, strength, and mobility. Preventative care helps ensure independence and overall wellness.
Key screenings include:
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Hearing and vision exams: Yearly, to prevent falls and maintain awareness.
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Bone density testing: Continued monitoring for osteoporosis.
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Cognitive screening: Early evaluation for memory or thinking changes.
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Cancer screenings: Continue as advised by your provider, based on your health and family history.
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Fall-risk assessment: Review balance, mobility, and home safety.
Your Greeley primary care team will tailor these recommendations based on your personal goals and health status.
The Role of Your Primary Care Provider
Preventative care isn’t one-size-fits-all. At a Colorado primary care clinic, your provider serves as your health partner—helping you understand what screenings make sense for you, when to schedule them, and how to follow through with results and next steps.
By visiting regularly, you build trust with your provider, allowing them to see patterns and catch subtle changes early.
Want to stay ahead of your health? NOCO Healthcare can help you schedule the right preventative screenings for your age — from blood pressure and cholesterol checks to cancer screenings.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health
You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to take control of your health. Preventative screenings give you the power to stay informed, proactive, and confident at every age.
Schedule your next visit at your trusted Colorado primary care clinic today and find out which screenings are right for you. Your future self will thank you.
FAQ: Colorado Preventative Screenings
1. How often should I have preventative screenings?
Most adults should see their primary care provider once a year for an annual wellness visit. Specific screenings depend on your age, gender, and risk factors—your provider can help customize your plan.
2. Are preventative screenings covered by insurance?
Many are covered at 100% under most insurance plans as part of preventative care. Check with your Colorado primary health care provider or insurance company for details.
3. What if I feel healthy—do I still need screenings?
Yes! Preventative screenings are meant to find problems before symptoms appear. Even healthy people should schedule regular checkups to stay that way.
4. Can I get all my screenings done at one clinic?
Often, yes. Many Colorado primary care clinics offer lab work, physicals, and preventative screenings in one convenient location, with referrals if specialized testing is needed.
5. What if my test results come back abnormal?
Your Greeley primary care provider will review your results, explain what they mean, and guide you through next steps—whether it’s follow-up testing, medication, or lifestyle changes.