A 2025 survey by the insurance company Aflac revealed that about 90% of Americans are not keeping up with regular health screenings, even though these tests are crucial for early detection and prevention of serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions. Many of these screenings are covered by health insurance, and low-cost or free options are available across all 50 states for those without insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Prevent Cancer Foundation provide lists of resources for screenings related to colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and cervical cancers, making it easier for people to access these important services. For infants between 0 and 2 years old, health screenings include blood tests taken from a baby's heel shortly after birth to check for rare genetic and hormonal disorders. Regular check-ups are recommended in the week after birth and at specific intervals during the first two years, such as at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months. Vaccines like Hepatitis B are given at birth, while the first doses of chickenpox and measles-mumps-rubella vaccines are administered at one year old. Additional check-ups are advised at 15 and 18 months, and around the second birthday. Autism assessments are typically performed at 18 and 24 months to ensure early identification and support. Children aged 3 to 12 years are advised to have yearly check-ups, often when they return to school after summer break. These visits include measuring heart rate and blood levels to check for lead poisoning and anemia, as well as assessing body mass index, vision, hearing, and dental health annually. These routine assessments help monitor growth and development and identify potential health concerns early on. For teenagers aged 13 to 17, screenings may include tests for drug and alcohol use, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health evaluations. Depending on local laws, some of these screenings can be conducted without parental consent. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizes the importance of mental health screenings for teens, noting that about 15% of U.S. teenagers experienced major depression in 2025, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Regular check-ups during this period are vital for addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Adults aged 18 to 39 are encouraged to have yearly physical exams and start cholesterol checks every five years. Women are advised to begin skin cancer checks and start Pap smears at age 21. For those aged 40 to 64, breast cancer screenings (mammograms) are recommended starting at age 40 for women, and colon cancer screenings for both men and women should begin at age 45. Those with a family history of certain conditions may need to start earlier. Individuals over 65 are advised to have annual screenings for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Women in this age group may also be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysms, while men should start these screenings at age 50. Additional recommendations include hearing tests every decade, bone density tests, and prostate screenings for those over 65.