Screenings for Best Health in 2025

Religious participation has the power to improve health outcomes and lengthen the lives of its followers. This impact is strongest and most beneficial when participants focus on best practice in their daily lives here on earth— social connection through community engagement; healthful, moderate lifestyles; and the informed use of healthcare services. With that in mind, I present a list of health screenings and preventative services to guide this week of your 40 Days of Transformation.

Recommended screenings and preventative measures

Teeth—

  • Dental Checkup: Every 6 months for cleanings and exams.

  • The bacteria in your mouth enter your bloodstream, contributing to global inflammation, autoimmune conditions, dementia, and heart disease. (Really.)

Ears—

Eyes—

  • Vision Exam: this includes screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy

    • The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends—

      • Age 40 and younger: Get a baseline eye exam if you have no risk factors. Otherwise, get tested every 2–5 years. 

      • Age 40–54: Get tested every 1–3 years. 

      • Age 55–64: Get tested every 1–2 years

Cardiovascular system—

  • Blood Pressure: At least once every 2 years, or annually if readings are high or borderline.

  • Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years if normal, or more frequently if at risk for heart disease.

  • Coronary calcium scan

    • From Norton Healthcare, “This computed tomography (CT) scan measures calcium deposits in coronary arteries — an early indicator of heart disease. This quick, painless screening is considered useful for people who have a moderate risk of heart disease and currently do not have cardiac symptoms.”

Ask your doctor about—

    • Advanced Lipid Panel: A deeper assessment of cholesterol and triglycerides, including LDL particle size and apolipoprotein levels.

    • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measures inflammation, which may indicate heart disease risk.

Endocrine system—

  • Diabetes Screening: Every 3 years starting at age 35, or earlier if overweight/obese or have additional risk factors.

  • Thyroid health

    • Thyroid function tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH) in your blood to assess how well your thyroid gland is functioning.  

      • To check for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, especially as hormonal changes may mimic thyroid issues.

Ask your doctor about—

    • Calcitonin levels test: This test may be used to check for medullary thyroid cancer, a less common type of thyroid cancer.

Skeletal Health—

    • Bone Density Test: Not routine for the lower end of this age range unless at risk for osteoporosis (e.g., low body weight, smoking, family history).

    • Vitamin D Levels: Low levels are common and contribute to bone and immune health issues.

Closing thoughts and a disclaimer—

Most people will neither need nor be able to access all of these services. You might bring this list or one like it to your general practitioner for their guidance on which of them (if any) are appropriate.

I’ve made every effort to ensure the validity of these recommendations but I am not a medical provider and this is not medical advice. Please treat this list as one resource among many that may support your efforts toward good health and self-sovereignty.