Health screenings are one of the simplest ways to take a proactive approach to your well-being. At Westwood DPC in Richmond, Dr. Suzie Park provides thorough, personalized health screenings that help identify risk factors early and give you a clearer picture of your health. These screenings are not meant to create anxiety. They give you useful information so you can take practical next steps with confidence.
Like an annual physical, health screenings provide data for action. Dr. Park uses that information to guide your care, explain what your results mean, and help you decide what comes next. With over 20 years of experience in primary care, she brings both clinical knowledge and a reassuring bedside manner to every appointment.
Why health screenings matter
Screenings are preventive tools that help detect conditions before they become more serious. Some look for signs of disease, while others measure risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, or changes in bone health. When problems are caught early, treatment is often simpler and more effective.
At Westwood DPC, screenings are not treated as isolated test results. Dr. Park considers your age, family history, lifestyle, medical history, and current concerns when making recommendations, so your screening plan fits your needs rather than a generic checklist.
Six major health screenings
1. Blood pressure screening
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. A check is usually recommended at least once a year for healthy adults, and more often if readings are elevated or you have cardiovascular risk factors. Read more about high blood pressure care.
2. Cholesterol screening
A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Adults should generally be checked every 4 to 6 years starting in young adulthood, though many people need more frequent testing based on age, family history, diabetes, or other risk factors.
3. Diabetes and blood sugar screening
Screening typically uses fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c. Many clinicians begin routine screening around age 35, or earlier if risk factors are present. Early blood sugar problems can often be managed before they progress to diabetes.
4. Breast cancer screening
Mammography can detect changes in breast tissue before symptoms appear. For many women, screening begins between ages 40 and 50 depending on personal risk and guideline preferences, with repeat screening typically every 1 to 2 years.
5. Cervical cancer screening
Screening uses a Pap test, HPV testing, or both. Routine screening often begins at age 21 and continues at intervals that depend on age and test type. If you have a history of abnormal results, the schedule may be different.
6. Colorectal cancer screening
Recommended for most adults beginning at age 45, or earlier with a family history or other risk factors. Options may include stool-based testing or a colonoscopy, depending on your history and preferences.
When should you get screened?
The right timing depends on your age, sex, family history, medical conditions, and lifestyle. For many adults, an annual physical is a good time to reassess screening needs. Dr. Park can determine which screenings are due and which results require action.
Why screening should not be scary
It is common to feel nervous about screenings. Many people delay preventive care because they worry about what they might find. Dr. Park approaches every screening conversation with honesty, clarity, and compassion. Screenings are not about judgment. They are about information.
Why choose Westwood DPC for screenings
As a direct primary care practice, the focus is on time, access, and a strong relationship between patient and physician. You can ask questions and review results without feeling rushed. Dr. Park is board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
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