You don’t have to feel sick to benefit from a health screening. Routine tests can spot small changes early and help prevent bigger problems. Some common ones are a blood pressure check, a cholesterol test and a blood sugar test. Here’s why these exams matter. 

1. Check your blood pressure 

Your blood pressure shows how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. When it’s too high, that’s called high blood pressure or hypertension. You may not notice any symptoms, but over time, it can increase your risk for: 

• Heart disease 
• Stroke 
• Kidney problems 

Why it matters:  

High blood pressure makes your heart work harder and can damage blood vessels. Your provider can help. Find it early, which may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Who should get tested:  

Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. You may need to have your blood pressure checked more often if you:  

• Are overweight  
• Have diabetes  
• Have a family history of heart disease     

How it’s done:  

Your provider places a cuff around your arm that tightens for a few seconds. It may feel like pressure but should not hurt. You can also check your blood pressure at many pharmacies or with a home monitor. 

2. Know your cholesterol levels 

Cholesterol is a type of fat that travels in your blood. Your body needs some of it to work well. But if there’s too much, it can build up inside your arteries. Over time, this can make it harder for blood to flow and raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

Why it matters:  

High cholesterol often has no warning signs. Knowing your numbers helps you take steps to protect your heart, such as: 

• Eating a heart-healthy diet 
• Exercising regularly 
• Quitting smoking

Who should get tested:  

Most adults should get a cholesterol test every 4 to 6 years.* You may need it more often if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol.   

How it’s done:  

Your provider takes a small blood sample. Your results show total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides. You may need to stop eating and drinking (except for water) for 9 to 12 hours before your test.  

If your numbers are high, your provider may suggest diet changes or medicine to bring them down.

Protect your health with layers of care 

During your Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider (PCP) will talk with you about your overall health and wellness. They will use your answers to build a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. 

If you don’t have a PCP, you can visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider to search for a local in-network provider. 

Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information. Need assistance? We can help you talk to your provider. Let our customer service team make your next provider call with you.

3. Track your blood sugar 

A blood glucose test measures how much sugar is in your blood. It shows how well your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. 

Why it matters:  

High blood sugar can lead to diabetes and increase your risk of heart or kidney problems. Early testing can help you make healthy changes.     

Who should get tested:  

Most adults should get a blood sugar test every 3 years.* You may need one sooner or more often if you have risk factors like:  

• Being overweight  
• A family history of diabetes 
• Having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy 

Talk to your provider about how often you should test your blood sugar.

How it’s done:  

After fasting for at least 8 hours, your provider takes a small blood sample. Some people also use home glucose meters to track their numbers. 

4. Get a colonoscopy 

A colonoscopy is a screening test that looks at your colon (large intestine). It helps find changes such as tissue growths called polyps, which can sometimes turn into colorectal cancer over time. 

Why it matters:  

Colorectal cancer often does not show symptoms in its early stages. Screening can find polyps before they become cancer, or catch cancer early when treatment works best.    

Who should get tested:  

Most adults should begin screening at age 45 and continue at regular intervals.* You may need earlier or more frequent screening if you: 

• Have a family history of colorectal cancer  
• Have certain digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease 
• Have had polyps before 

Talk with your provider about what schedule is right for you. 

How it’s done:  

Before the test, you’ll follow a special diet to clean out your colon. During the procedure, a provider uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine your colon. You’ll usually be given medicine to help you relax and stay comfortable. 

5. Schedule a mammogram 

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast to screen for breast cancer. It can find tumors that are too small to feel during a physical exam. 

Why it matters:  

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Early detection with a mammogram can help find cancer sooner, when it may be easier to treat. 

Who should get tested:  

Many women should start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue every 1 to 2 years.* Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your personal and family history. 

How it’s done:  

During a mammogram, each breast rests between two plates and gently compressed to take clear X-ray images. The process takes only a few minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but it should not last long.

These tests can tell you a lot about your health. They can help you find problems before they start. Talk with your provider about when to schedule your next screening and what steps can keep your numbers in a healthy range.   

 

*FOR CHOLESTEROL: Mayo Clinic. Cholesterol test. February 25, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026. 

*FOR BLOOD SUGAR: Cleveland Clinic. Blood Glucose (Sugar) Test. February 5, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026.

*FOR COLONOSCOPY: Center for Disease Control. Screening for Colorectal Cancer. February 26, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2026.

*FOR MAMMOGRAM: American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. December 4, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2026.

 

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website.

 

©2026 Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company
Y0130_NR_7826050_2026_C
6300553-51-01