Top 5 Preventative Health Screenings For Adults
Staying on top of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Preventive screenings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch potential health issues early—often before symptoms even appear. Routine check-ups and basic lab tests can help detect conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension early enough to take action and avoid more serious complications later on.
If you’ve been putting off your annual check-up, now is a great time to prioritize it. At Holy City Med, we make primary care simple, affordable, and focused on you. From routine screenings to ongoing support, we’re here to help you confidently take charge of your health.
To help you get started, here are the top 5 preventive health screenings every adult should prioritize.
Don’t Skip These Preventative Health Screenings
1. Annual Physical Exams
An annual physical exam is the best way to get a general overview of your health. This check-up is a comprehensive baseline for assessing your overall well-being and identifying potential health issues early.
What's included?
Basic measurements like weight and height
Vital checks such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
Doctor-patient discussion about your medical history, lifestyle, and any concerns
Regular physicals allow you to discuss changes in your health, no matter how small they may seem. They also allow your doctor to recommend further screenings based on your age, risk factors, or family history.
For more detailed information, visit a primary care doctor in Charleston, SC. Our doctors at Holy City Med can tailor your check-up to meet your needs.
Why it matters: Early detection of conditions like heart disease, respiratory issues, or even less obvious deficiencies allows for prompt treatment or lifestyle adjustments.
2. Cholesterol and Lipid Panel Testing
High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, as it doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. Cholesterol and lipid panel tests measure your LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride levels.
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular conditions.
Who should get tested?
All adults over the age of 20 at least once every four to six years.
More frequently if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
At Holy City Med, we offer affordable local health screening, ensuring you can easily stay ahead of your cardiovascular health.
Why it matters: High cholesterol is one of the most common yet silent risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.
3. Blood Pressure Screening
According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of all adults in America have high blood pressure (hypertension), and many don’t realize it. If left untreated, this silent condition can cause long-term strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys.
What does the test involve?
Blood pressure results include two numbers. The first (systolic pressure) measures pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second (diastolic pressure) measures pressure between beats.
Who should monitor their blood pressure?
Starting in their 20s, all adults should measure their blood pressure every two years (more frequently if readings are consistently elevated).
Holy City Med’s no-appointment-needed policy makes it easy to walk in anytime and manage your numbers with confidence. Regular monitoring can catch issues before they affect your overall health.
Why it matters: High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, kidney failure, or stroke if undiagnosed. Early treatment can dramatically lower these risks.
4. Diabetes Screening (Blood Glucose Testing)
One in 10 Americans are living with diabetes, and many more are in the pre-diabetic stage. These statistics demonstrate the importance of blood glucose screening in preventative healthcare. Blood glucose tests measure your blood sugar levels and can predict, catch, or monitor diabetes.
Who needs it?
Adults aged 35+ should be screened every three years, though sooner and more frequently if you’re overweight or have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
How is it tested?
Common options include fasting blood sugar tests or the A1C test, which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months.
Holy City Med integrates diabetes screenings into our routine services because we believe early education and detection can give patients the tools they need to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Why it matters: Early detection of diabetes can prevent long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision loss while improving your overall quality of life.
5. Cancer Screenings
Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates for many types of cancer. Regular screenings depend on your age, family history, and lifestyle, but a few standard tests are highly recommended:
Mammograms
Women aged 40+ are advised to start annual or biennial mammograms to screen for early signs of breast cancer.
Colonoscopies
Usually recommended starting at age 45 for both men and women. A colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into colon cancer.
Pap Smears and HPV Testing
Women aged 21+ should regularly schedule pap smears (every three to five years) to detect cervical cancer and HPV infections.
Holy City Med offers convenient options for preventative health screenings, ensuring tests are stress-free and accessible. Learn more about our services by visiting our clinic or speaking directly with our staff about next steps.
Why it matters: Cancer screenings catch warning signs before symptoms appear, offering the best chance for successful treatment. Plus, with early intervention, treatment is often simpler and less invasive.
Your Health Is Worth It
Preventive health screenings are a powerful tool to maintain wellness and detect problems before they become severe. Holy City Med is devoted to helping you prioritize your health and provide peace of mind.
By becoming a member, you can access same-day appointments, transparent pricing, and a full spectrum of services, including mental health support, telehealth, weight management, and more. Curious about what a medical membership is and how it can complement traditional insurance? Check out the details today.
Take the first step and prioritize your screenings. Visit our primary care doctors in Charleston, SC, any time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.