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What It Is
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Why You Need It
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VA Recommendations
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Goal Complete
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Blood pressure reading
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High blood pressure has no symptoms
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Every year after age 18 and at every primary care visit
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Cholesterol profile
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Low HDL (good cholesterol), high triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol), and high total cholesterol can increase heart disease risk
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Every 5 years or more frequently if recommended by your VA primary care provide
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Influenza (flu) immunization
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To prevent the flu
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Every year for all adults
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Pneumonia vaccine
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To prevent serious respiratory illness
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Once at age 65; sooner for certain medical conditions; single 5-year booster dose recommended if initial vaccine prior to age 65
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Tetanus and pertussis (Tdap) immunization
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To protect against tetanus and whooping cough
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CDC recommends Tdap immunization in place of tetanus booster once between ages 19 and 65.
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Breast and cervical cancer screenings
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For early detection of precancerous tissue growth and cancer
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Annual women's health visit with your provider to determine appropriate mammography and Pap test screenings
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Bone density screening
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For early detection of osteoporosis
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Bone density test routinely after age 65; test at age 60 if increased risk for osteoporotic fracture.
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Colorectal cancer
screening
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For early detection of precancerous tissue growth and cancer
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Begin screening at age 50 until age 75; may need earlier screening if positive family history
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- Colorectal cancer screening
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
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To detect weakened blood vessels
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Test once for men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked.
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Hepatitis C screening
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Exposure to the hepatitis C virus can harm your liver.
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For those with military service during the Vietnam era and those exposed to the virus via sexual contact, tattoos or piercings, blood transfusions prior to 1992, and the sharing of personal items
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Tobacco, alcohol, and
depression screenings
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Smoking may lead to serious illness; alcohol abuse and depression can spiral out of control.
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Every year; your VA primary care staff will identify and treat any psychological issues and help with controlling substance abuse and quitting smoking
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- Talked with my doctor about my mental health
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PTSD and depression screening
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PTSD and depression can have a negative impact on health and quality of life
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Every year; your PACT team will help identify and treat psychological issues
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- Talked with my doctor about my mental health
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Routine eye examinations
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To check for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases
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As recommended by your VA primary care provider based on your medical conditions, family history or new visual symptoms
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