Which Medical Check-ups Do You Need at Your Age? A Simple Guide for Adults in Kenya
Blood pressure, blood sugar, HIV, cervical and prostate checks: a simple guide to the health screening adults in Kenya should discuss in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
- Written by
- Primegala Clinical Team
- Published
- Reading time
- 5 min read
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Short answer: Every adult should have their blood pressure, weight and waist checked at least once a year and know their HIV status. Blood sugar should be checked yearly from 40, or earlier if you are at risk. Women aged 25 to 49 should have cervical screening, men from 50 (earlier with a family history) should discuss prostate checks, and everyone should look after their eyes, teeth and mental health. Your clinician will advise what is right for you.
Many of us only see a clinician when something hurts. Picture a man in his late forties who comes in for a bad flu and, while he is there, has his blood pressure taken for the first time in years. It is high, and he had no idea. That five-minute check may matter more to his future than the flu ever will.
Why get checked when you feel fine?
The conditions that cause the most harm in Kenyan families, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers, often grow quietly for years. By the time there are symptoms, damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes or brain may already have started. A short check once a year gives you the chance to act early, and the results become a record you can compare over time.
Check-ups by age: a quick guide
| Check | 20s and 30s | 40s | 50 and over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | At least once a year | At least once a year | At least once a year, more often if raised |
| Blood sugar | If overweight, with a family history or after diabetes in pregnancy | Once a year | Once a year |
| Weight, BMI and waist | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
| HIV test | Know your status; retest if at risk and in every pregnancy | Know your status; retest if at risk | Know your status; retest if at risk |
| Cervical screening (women) | From 25, as advised | As advised, up to 49 | Ask whether you still need it |
| Breast checks (women) | Know what is normal for you | Ask about breast exams and mammograms | Ask about mammograms |
| Prostate (men) | Not usually needed | Discuss if a father or brother had prostate cancer | Discuss the pros and cons of testing |
| Eyes | If your vision changes | Every 1–2 years | Every 1–2 years |
| Teeth | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
| Mental health | Whenever you are struggling | Whenever you are struggling | Whenever you are struggling |
This is a general guide. Your own schedule depends on your health, family history and results, so discuss it with your clinician. If you have diabetes, you need an eye check every year, whatever your age.
Your 20s and 30s: build the habit
- Know your numbers. A baseline blood pressure, weight and waist measurement makes later changes easier to spot. See know your numbers.
- Know your HIV status, and test again if you have a new partner or another possible exposure.
- Start cervical screening from 25. Women living with HIV should start earlier and screen more often. Read about cervical cancer screening.
- Check your blood sugar early if you are overweight, have a parent or sibling with diabetes, or had diabetes during pregnancy.
Your 40s: when silent conditions often appear
- Check blood sugar every year, alongside blood pressure.
- Ask about your cholesterol if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, smoke, or have a family history of early heart disease.
- Have your eyes checked every year or two. Reading difficulties are common from the 40s, and some eye conditions only show up on examination.
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer should start the conversation with a clinician.
50 and over: more checks to discuss
- Prostate: men should discuss the benefits and limits of testing with a clinician.
- Bowel cancer: ask whether screening is right for you, especially if a close relative has had it.
- Breast: women should ask about mammograms and report any lump or change promptly.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure: if you have either, you need regular reviews. People with diabetes also need eye and foot checks every year.
Don't forget your mind
Low mood, constant worry, poor sleep and heavy drinking are health problems too. You can raise them at any check-up, at any age. Read our guide to stress and sleep.
Before your check-up
- Bring your ID, SHA details and any previous results.
- Bring the medicines you take, or their packets.
- Find out about your family history: diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and cancers in parents or siblings.
- Ask whether any test needs fasting.
- Write down your questions.
How Primegala can help
Blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and BMI checks take a few minutes at any visit to Primegala Medical Centre in Maili Sita. Our on-site laboratory runs blood sugar, HIV and other screening tests; ask us which tests are available, and we refer you for anything we don't offer. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, our diabetes and hypertension clinic helps you stay on track. Book a check-up, or ask about using SHA at the front desk.
At Primegala
Diabetes & Hypertension Clinic
Regular checks, medication reviews and lifestyle support for long-term conditions.
- Open 24 hours, every day, including public holidays
- Maili Sita, opposite Kiamaina Primary School
- SHA accepted for eligible services
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a check-up if I feel healthy?
Yes. High blood pressure, raised blood sugar, HIV and early cancers often cause no symptoms. Regular checks find them early, when they are easier to manage.
How often should adults check their blood pressure?
At least once a year, and more often if it has been high before or you have diabetes, kidney disease or a family history of high blood pressure.
Do I need to fast before a check-up?
Only for some tests, such as a fasting blood sugar, which usually needs about 8 hours without food (water is fine). Ask when you book.