Your 2026 Preventive Screening Checklist
December 22, 2025
A Community Guide from Decatur County Hospital
Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your health, and 2026 is the perfect time to make it a priority. At Decatur County Hospital, our focus is on helping you move from reactive care to proactive wellness through accessible, community-centered services.
While every patient’s needs are different, this guide outlines a practical 2025 preventive screening checklist to help you prepare for the year ahead and make the most of the services available right here at DCH.
Start the Year Prepared
Before scheduling screenings or lab work, a little preparation goes a long way.
Before your visit:
- Schedule appointments early, especially for lab work or imaging.
- Bring your insurance card and a valid ID.
- Prepare a list of current medications and relevant family medical history.
- Ask if fasting is required for any lab tests (commonly 8–12 hours).
Being prepared helps your care team deliver faster, more accurate results.
Core Preventive Screenings to Prioritize in 2025
Laboratory Screenings
DCH’s laboratory services provide essential insight into your overall health and help detect issues early.
Common preventive labs include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Chemistry panels (kidney, liver, electrolytes)
- Cholesterol and lipid panels
- Hemoglobin A1C for diabetes screening
- Thyroid function (TSH)
- Urinalysis
These screenings are often part of annual wellness panels and are ideal for establishing or tracking your health baseline.
Heart & Vascular Health
Heart disease remains one of the leading health risks nationwide. Preventive screenings can identify concerns long before symptoms appear.
Recommended checks may include:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol screening
- EKG or stress testing (as recommended by your provider)
If you have a family history of heart disease, smoke, or manage high blood pressure or cholesterol, these screenings are especially important.
Cancer Screenings
Early detection saves lives. Talk with your provider about age- and risk-based cancer screenings, which may include:
- Mammograms
- Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy or FIT tests)
- Prostate cancer screening (PSA, when appropriate)
- Skin cancer checks
If a service is not performed onsite, DCH providers can help coordinate referrals and follow-up care.
Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology
When preventive screenings require further evaluation, DCH’s radiology services support timely diagnosis with:
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Ultrasound imaging
- CT or MRI scans (as clinically indicated)
These tools play a key role in catching and addressing health concerns early.
Specialized & Lifestyle-Based Screenings
Depending on your health history and risk factors, your provider may recommend:
- Diabetes risk assessments and management
- Bone health evaluations
- Thyroid screening
- Pulmonary or respiratory assessments, especially for current or former smokers
Preventive care is never one-size-fits-all, which is a good thing.
Women’s Health Screenings
Women’s preventive care may include:
- Annual wellness exams
- Pap smears and pelvic exams
- Breast exams and imaging referrals
- Hormonal and reproductive health screenings
Your provider can help you determine the right schedule based on age and personal health history.
A Final Reminder
This checklist is a starting point, not a substitute for individualized medical advice. The most effective preventive care plan is built in partnership with your healthcare provider and tailored to your age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
As you look ahead to 2025, let Decatur County Hospital help you take control of your health one screening at a time.
Ready to schedule or have questions?
Contact Decatur County Hospital at 641-446-2285 to start building your personalized preventive care plan today.
Contact Decatur County Hospital at 641-446-2285 to start building your personalized preventive care plan today.
