Get recommended health screenings and immunizations.
As part of your regular health care, it’s important to connect with your provider to get recommended screening tests that help protect against serious diseases. Some screening tests find diseases early when they are most treatable, while others can play a role in preventing diseases before they start. These diseases and conditions should be tested for regularly: breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer (in current/past heavy smokers), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy blood cholesterol, overweight/obesity, and low bone density. Talk with a provider about which screening tests are right for you, at what age you should start them, and how often you should have them.
And, it’s important to work with your provider to manage any chronic conditions you have, like diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, or depression. Consider enrolling in a disease management program through your health plan or participating in the WashU MyWay to Health consultations through Wellness Connection. Getting a flu shot each year and staying up to date with adult immunizations are also important steps for lowering your risk and looking after your health.
Take Action
- Establish a relationship with a primary care physician. WUCare provides dedicated primary care for Washington University employees and families (age 18+) enrolled in the university-sponsored health plan (United Healthcare). Call 314-747-5900 to schedule an appointment.
- Your onsite UHC Nurse Advocate can support you in finding a provider and managing your emerging or chronic health condition. She’s dedicated to WashU employees!
- Stick to your wellness goals and get expert accountability from a MyWay to Health consultant – earn more rewards!
- Schedule your breast cancer screening where you work!
- Schedule your well woman exam.
- The gold standard for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy.
- Find out if lung cancer screening is right for you.
Learn More
Checkout curated and trusted health information from the Feuerstein Health & Wellness Information Center at the Bernard Becker Medical Library.
