The Preventive Screenings Every Adult in Central Florida Should Have

One of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term health costs nothing more than a scheduled office visit. Preventive screenings are designed to detect disease at its earliest, most treatable stage—before you feel sick, before complications develop, and before treatment becomes more complex or expensive. Yet national data consistently show that a large portion of eligible adults are not up to date on the screenings their age, sex, and medical history call for.

At Nona Medical Services, we believe that prevention is the cornerstone of primary care. During your annual wellness exam, Dr. Catherine Arevalo reviews not only how you feel today but which evidence-based screenings are due for your specific situation. Below is an overview of the key screenings most adults in Central Florida should be aware of.

**Blood Pressure** Hypertension is called the "silent killer" for good reason—it rarely causes symptoms until it has already damaged the heart, kidneys, or brain. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends blood pressure screening for all adults 18 and older. Adults with readings in the normal range (below 120/80 mmHg) should be re-checked at least every two years; those with elevated readings more often. Given the heat and high sodium intake common in Florida diets, blood pressure is especially worth monitoring year-round.

**Cholesterol and Lipid Panel** Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. A simple fasting blood test can measure your LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. The USPSTF recommends lipid screening for men starting at age 35 (earlier if risk factors are present) and for women 45 and older (or younger with risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of early heart disease). If your results are abnormal, lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication can dramatically reduce your heart disease risk.

**Blood Glucose and Diabetes Screening** Type 2 diabetes often develops silently over years. A fasting glucose test or hemoglobin A1c can reveal prediabetes—a window of opportunity during which the condition can be reversed through diet, exercise, and modest weight loss. The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose in adults aged 35–70 who are overweight or obese. Florida's outdoor-friendly lifestyle is an asset here; regular physical activity is one of the most effective tools for keeping blood sugar in check.

**Colorectal Cancer Screening** Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet it is highly preventable when caught early. Adults should begin regular screening at age 45. Options include a colonoscopy every 10 years (the gold standard), stool-based tests annually or every 1–3 years, or a CT colonography every 5 years. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, screening may begin earlier. Don't let fear or inconvenience delay this potentially life-saving test.

**Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear / HPV Test)** Women aged 21–65 should have a Pap smear every three years, or a Pap smear combined with an HPV test every five years starting at age 30. Regular cervical cancer screening is one of the great public-health success stories—deaths from cervical cancer have dropped dramatically in the decades since widespread screening was adopted.

**Breast Cancer Screening** Mammography recommendations vary slightly across major organizations, but most guidelines support screening mammograms every one to two years for women aged 40–74 who are at average risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) may need to start earlier and screen more frequently. Talk with Dr. Arevalo about your personal and family history to determine the right schedule for you.

**Lung Cancer Screening** Adults aged 50–80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years are eligible for annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans of the chest. This screening is proven to reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals and is covered by most insurance plans.

**Bone Density (DEXA Scan)** Osteoporosis causes fractures that can severely impair quality of life, especially in older adults. The USPSTF recommends bone density screening for women aged 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women whose fracture risk is equal to or greater than that of a 65-year-old Caucasian woman. Men with risk factors such as prolonged steroid use, low body weight, or a family history of osteoporosis should also discuss screening with their doctor.

**Vision and Hearing** While not always top of mind, declining vision and hearing are common and treatable. Annual vision exams are recommended for adults 40 and older. Hearing loss affects one in three adults over 65 and is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline; a baseline audiogram is a reasonable conversation to have with your primary care provider.

**Skin Cancer Checks** Florida's year-round sun exposure makes skin cancer a particularly relevant concern for Central Florida residents. While the USPSTF does not make a universal screening recommendation for skin self-exams, dermatologists and primary care providers widely encourage regular self-checks and professional skin exams—especially for those with a history of sun exposure, tanning bed use, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.

**STI Screening** Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are on the rise nationally. The USPSTF recommends HIV screening for all adults aged 15–65 at least once, and more frequently for those at higher risk. Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended annually for sexually active women 24 and younger, and for older women at increased risk. Discuss your sexual health history openly with your provider; these conversations are confidential and critical for your well-being.

**Staying Current**

The best way to stay on top of preventive screenings is to schedule a comprehensive annual wellness exam. During that visit, Dr. Catherine Arevalo will review your personal health history, family history, lifestyle factors, and current guidelines to build a personalized screening plan. She will also ensure your vaccinations are up to date—another critical but often overlooked form of prevention.

If you are unsure which screenings are due for you, or if it has been more than a year since your last wellness visit, contact Nona Medical Services to schedule an appointment at our Narcoossee Rd or Lancaster locations. Prevention is always better—and less costly—than treatment.