Stay ahead of illness with regular screenings and proactive habits
Preventative care is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health and well-being. It goes beyond doctor visits. Preventative care means taking proactive steps to understand your health, build healthy habits and stay connected to care before problems arise.
By scheduling regular screenings, annual checkups and vaccinations, you’re investing in your future.
Why prevention matters
Many chronic conditions, from heart disease to diabetes, develop quietly over time. Preventative care gives you and your providers the information needed to catch early warning signs and take action.
UW Medicine’s experts recommend staying current on screenings and annual exams as the best defense against avoidable health complications. Prevention also extends to lifestyle. Maintaining healthy nutrition, physical activity and mental well-being all play a role in lowering risk.
Building a preventative care routine
Proactive healthcare is easier when it’s built into your routine. These small steps can make a lasting difference:
Schedule annual checkups
A yearly visit with your primary care provider allows you to review blood pressure, cholesterol, and lab results while discussing any new health changes or concerns.
Stay current on screenings
Screening guidelines vary by age, gender and family history, but common ones include:
- Mammograms – Typically beginning between ages 40–50
- Cervical cancer screenings – Every 3–5 years depending on results
- Colorectal screenings – Often starting at age 45
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks – Annually or as advised
- Diabetes and thyroid tests – As recommended by your provider
- Sexually transmitted disease screenings – Annually for sexually active patients
- Skin cancer screenings – Especially for those with high sun exposure or family history
- Bone density (DEXA) scans – Around age 65 for women, 70 for men, or earlier with risk factors
- Prostate cancer screenings (PSA test) – Typically discussed around age 50 or earlier for higher-risk individuals
- Eye exams – Every 1–2 years, or as recommended
- Dental exams and cleanings – Twice per year for preventive oral health
- Hearing tests – Every 3–5 years under age 50; more often after 50
UW Medicine clinicians emphasize that regular monitoring empowers individuals to take control of their health long before symptoms appear.
Prioritize whole-person health
Preventative care isn’t just physical. Mental and emotional health directly affect your immune system, recovery time and energy levels. Taking advantage of mindfulness and stress management resources further support your physical health.
Vaccines: Protecting your health and community
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and protect both yourself and those around you. Staying current on recommended vaccinations helps your body build immunity against serious diseases such as the flu, COVID-19, shingles and pneumonia—reducing the risk of complications and helping to keep our UW community healthy.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you based on your age, health conditions and risk factors. Many vaccines are offered at no cost through your medical benefits.
Each October and November The Whole U provides convenient on-campus vaccine clinics to make staying up to date easy.
Taking advantage of UW benefits
At UW, you have access to a wide range of wellness and healthcare resources designed to support prevention at every stage of life. From on-campus clinics to health plan incentives, these benefits make it easier to stay proactive about your well-being.
- Hall Health Center (UW Seattle): Provides comprehensive primary care, vaccinations and preventive screenings for UW students.
- UW Employee Health: Offers occupational health services and immunizations for employees working within the University of Washington and UW Medicine hospitals and clinics.
- SmartHealth: Earn wellness incentives for completing preventive screenings, activities, and health challenges throughout the year.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access free, confidential support for stress, family concerns, or emotional well-being.
- Health Plan Resources: Most UW medical plans include free annual exams, age-based screenings and preventive care at no additional cost.