Keep your health on track

To take advantage of the power of prevention, you and your family should discuss with your physician recommended screenings and tests that are appropriate to your age, gender, medical history, current health, and family history.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth offers a viable option for care that includes medical-related services, behavioral health care, ancillary professional care, and other virtual treatment by a healthcare provider.

Let's get started. First select your gender.

female

male

Now click on each box below for more information on topics you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Topics you may want to discuss with your doctor

Immunizations

Screenings, services, counseling

Exercise	Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day starting at age 11) can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes.
Nutrition	Eat a healthy diet. Limit fat and calories. Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains every day. Optimal calcium intake for adolescents and young adults is estimated to be 1,200-1,500 mg/day.
Sexual health	Sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention,¹⁶ practice safe sex (use condoms) or abstinence. Avoid unintended pregnancy; use contraception. Prior to beginning PrEP, the following tests are recommended: HIV testing, serologic testing for hepatitis viruses B and C, periodic serum creatinine testing, periodic pregnancy testing, and periodic screening for sexually transmitted bacterial infections Ongoing follow-up counseling and monitoring every 3 months is covered without cost-sharing
Mental health and substance use disorder	Use of alcohol, tobacco (cigarettes, vaping, or chewing), inhalants, and other drugs among adolescents is a major concern for parents. Let the doctor know if you have any concerns about your child. Mental health and substance use disorders is defined as those conditions listed in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases or in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dental health	Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily. Seek dental care regularly.
Other topics for discussion	It is a good idea to let your teenager have private time with the doctor to ask any questions he or she may not feel comfortable asking you.

Exercise	Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day) can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes. Over 40: Consult physician before starting new vigorous physical activity.
Nutrition	Know your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol level. Modify your diet accordingly. Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle development, function, and preservation.
Sexual health	Sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention,¹⁶ practice safer sex (use condoms) or abstinence. Prior to beginning PrEP the following tests are recommended: HIV testing, serologic testing for hepatitis viruses B and C, periodic serum creatinine testing, and periodic screening for sexually transmitted bacterial infections. Ongoing follow-up counseling, and monitoring every 3 months is covered without cost sharing.
Mental health and substance use disorder	Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid alcohol or drug use while driving. Mental health and substance use disorders is defined as those conditions listed in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases or in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dental health	Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily. Seek dental care regularly.

Nutrition	Eat a healthy diet. Limit fat and calories. Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains every day. Optimal calcium intake is estimated to be 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not on estrogen therapy Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle development, function, and preservation.
Sexual health	Sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention,¹⁶ practice safer sex (use condoms) or abstinence. Prior to beginning PrEP, the following tests are recommended: HIV testing, serologic testing for hepatitis viruses B and C, periodic serum creatinine testing, periodic pregnancy testing, and periodic screening for sexually transmitted bacterial infections Ongoing follow-up counseling and monitoring every 3 months is covered without cost-sharing
Mental health and substance use disorder	Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid alcohol or drug use while driving. Mental health and substance use disorders is defined as those conditions listed in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases or in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dental health	Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily. Seek dental care regularly.
Other topics for discussion	Fall prevention. Risks for and possible benefits of prostate cancer screening in men to determine what is best for you. The dangers of drug interactions. Physical activity. Glaucoma eye exam by an eye care professional (i.e., an ophthalmologist, optometrist) ages 65 and older.

Exercise	Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day) can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes. Over 40: Consult physician before starting new vigorous physical activity.
Nutrition	Know your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol level. Modify your diet accordingly. Eat a healthy diet. Limit fat and calories. Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains every day. Optimal calcium intake for women between ages 25 and 50 is estimated to be 1,000 mg/day. Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle development, function, and preservation.
Sexual health	Sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention,¹⁶ practice safer sex (use condoms) or abstinence. Avoid unintended pregnancy; use contraception. Prior to beginning PrEP, the following tests are recommended: HIV testing, serologic testing for hepatitis viruses B and C, periodic serum creatinine testing, periodic pregnancy testing, and periodic screening for sexually transmitted bacterial infections Ongoing follow-up counseling and monitoring every 3 months is covered without cost-sharing
Mental health and substance use disorder	Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid alcohol or drug use while driving. Mental health and substance use disorders is defined as those conditions listed in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases or in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dental health	Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily. Seek dental care regularly.

Nutrition	Eat a healthy diet. Limit fat and calories. Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains every day. Optimal calcium intake is estimated to be 1,500 mg/day for post-menopausal women not on estrogen therapy. Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle development, function, and preservation.
Sexual health	Sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention,¹⁶ practice safer sex (use condoms) or abstinence. Prior to beginning PrEP, the following tests are recommended: HIV testing, serologic testing for hepatitis viruses B and C, periodic serum creatinine testing, periodic pregnancy testing, and periodic screening for sexually transmitted bacterial infections Ongoing follow-up counseling and monitoring every 3 months is covered without cost-sharing
Mental health and substance use disorder	Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid alcohol or drug use while driving. Mental health and substance use disorders is defined as those conditions listed in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases or in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dental health	Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily. Seek dental care regularly.
Other topics for discussion	Fall prevention. Possible risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post-menopausal women. The dangers of drug interactions. Physical activity. Glaucoma eye exam by an eye care professional (i.e., an ophthalmologist, optometrist) ages 65 and older.

Discussion topics at prenatal care visits
Prior vaccinations (including flu shots)
History of genital herpes
Nutrition
Smoking cessation
Preterm labor risk
Domestic abuse
Mental health as an initial intervention service after screening for interpersonal and domestic violence
Other medication and drug use

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Preventive Health Guidelines, English

Preventive Health Guidelines, Spanish

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Preventive Health Guidelines, English

Preventive Health Guidelines, Spanish

For Pregnant Women
Alcohol misuse
Anxiety
Aspirin¹⁴
Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Breast- feeding primary care interventions
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Depression
Drug misuse ²⁵
Flu, Annual
Folic acid
Gestational diabetes
Healthy weight gain
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B²⁹
HIV²³
Maternal Mental Health
Preeclampsia
Rh (D) incompatibility
Syphilis¹²
Tdap
Tobacco use and cessation
Urinary incontinence

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Preventive Health Guidelines, English

Preventive Health Guidelines, Spanish

Click here for a numerical listing of endnotes for Blue Shield of California's Preventive Health Guidelines, which are based on nationally recognized guidelines. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage, Certificate of Insurance, or policy for plan/policy coverage of preventive health benefits.

Safety	Use a checklist to "babyproof" your home. Check your home for the presence of lead paint.
Nutrition	Breast-feeding and iron-enriched formula and food for infants.
Dental health	Do not put your baby or toddler to bed with a bottle containing juice, milk, or other sugary liquid. Do not prop a bottle in a baby's or toddler's mouth. Clean your baby's gums and teeth daily. Use a clean, moist washcloth to wipe gums. Use a soft toothbrush with water only, beginning with eruption of first tooth. Age 6 months to preschool: Discuss with your dentist about taking oral fluoride supplement if water is deficient in fluoride. Age 2 years: Begin brushing child's teeth with pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Keep your health on track

Let's get started. First select your gender.

Now select your age range:

Are you expecting?

Great! Here's what you chose:

Now click on each box below for more information on topics you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Download a detailed fact sheet to share with your doctor.

Now you're ready to take charge of your health.

Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to be proactive and take advantage of preventive care.

Safety	Use a checklist to "childproof" your home. Check your home for the presence of lead paint.
Exercise	Participate in physical activity as a family, such as taking walks or playing at the playground. Limit television to less than two hours a day. Limit screen time (such as mobile devices, computers, and television) to less than two hours a day.
Nutrition	Eat a healthy diet. Limit fat and calories. Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains every day.
Dental health	Ask your dentist when and how to floss child's teeth. Age 5: Talk to your dentist about dental sealants.
Other topics for discussion	Well-child visits are a good time to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have with your child's health, growth, or behavior.