Preventive Health
Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations form the backbone of good health. Preventive care catches problems early — when they're most treatable — and helps you stay ahead of chronic conditions. This guide covers what screenings matter at each life stage and where to get them locally.
What Is Preventive Health?
Preventive health refers to measures taken to prevent illness rather than treating it after it occurs. This includes routine physical exams, laboratory screenings, immunizations, and counseling on lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and tobacco use.
Key Screenings by Life Stage
- Blood pressure — At least every 2 years for adults with normal readings; annually if elevated
- Cholesterol — Starting at age 20, repeated every 4–6 years or more frequently based on risk
- Blood sugar (diabetes) — Starting at age 35, or earlier if overweight or at risk
- Colon cancer — Starting at age 45 for average-risk adults
- Breast cancer (mammogram) — Starting at age 40–50 depending on guidelines and risk factors
- Cervical cancer (Pap/HPV) — Starting at age 21, repeated every 3–5 years
- Prostate cancer — Discussion with provider starting at age 50 (or earlier for high-risk groups)
- Lung cancer — Annual low-dose CT for adults 50–80 with a significant smoking history
Immunizations for Adults
Vaccines aren't just for children. Adults need flu shots annually, Tdap boosters every 10 years, shingles vaccination at age 50+, and pneumococcal vaccines at 65+ or earlier for certain conditions. Your primary care provider can review your immunization history and recommend what's due.
Annual Wellness Visits
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover an annual wellness visit at no out-of-pocket cost. These visits typically include a health risk assessment, review of medications and family history, basic measurements (blood pressure, BMI), and a personalized prevention plan for the year ahead.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Bring a list of current medications and supplements
- Note any new symptoms or health changes since your last visit
- Know your family health history (parents, siblings — especially cancers, heart disease, diabetes)
- Write down questions you want to ask
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID
Local Preventive Care Resource
Memorial Primary Care — Pembroke Pines
Primary care network, Memorial Healthcare System
Location: Pembroke Pines, FL (Memorial Hospital Pembroke)
Phone: (954) 276-5552
Website: mhs.net/services/primary-care
- Annual wellness visits and physical exams
- Preventive screenings — blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
- Cancer screenings — breast, colon, prostate, cervical, lung
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)
- Virtual visits available
Memorial Healthcare System is the major hospital system serving Broward County. Memorial Hospital Pembroke is located in Pembroke Pines. Memorial also operates a Mobile Health Center that serves the Pembroke Pines area on a rotating schedule.
About This Resource
This listing is provided for educational purposes. It is not an endorsement or advertisement. Always verify credentials, insurance acceptance, and availability directly with the provider. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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