Taking care of your health is not just about going to the doctor when something feels wrong. It is about staying ahead of potential issues before they become problems. That is where routine health screenings come in. At Cullman Internal Medicine, our focus is on prevention, early detection, and building long-term relationships with patients so that every stage of life is supported with the right care at the right time. Preventive medicine, which includes health screenings over the lifespan, is a vital part of our practice.
Health screenings vary with age. What you need in your 20s looks very different from what you need in your 50s or beyond. By understanding how screenings evolve over time, and by partnering with us, you can stay proactive and confident in your health journey. We should note that included in this list for all ages are dental care and eye exams, and skin cancer checks. You can never start too early with these.
Your 20s: Building a Healthy Baseline
Your 20s are often seen as a time when you feel your best, but this is actually one of the most important decades for establishing a health baseline. Even if you feel great, routine checkups and screenings provide valuable information about your body and help catch early signs of potential issues.
During this stage of life, annual wellness visits are key. These visits typically include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, routine bloodwork, and discussions of lifestyle habits such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress. Depending on your history and lifestyle, additional specialized screenings may be included as a part of your health routine. For women specifically, cervical cancer screenings begin in the early 20s.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we take the time to get to know you, your family history, and your personal health goals. That relationship matters. It helps ensure that even in your 20s, you are not just reacting to health concerns but actively preventing them.
Your 30s: Strengthening Prevention Efforts
As you move into your 30s, life tends to get busier. Careers, families, and responsibilities can make it easy to push your health to the back burner. This is exactly why staying consistent with screenings becomes even more important.
In this decade, routine blood work becomes more meaningful in identifying early trends in cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers. Screenings for conditions like diabetes may begin if risk factors are present. Women often continue regular cervical cancer screenings, and both men and women benefit from ongoing blood pressure monitoring.
What makes a difference is not just getting these screenings done, but understanding the results. At Cullman Internal Medicine, we do not just hand you numbers. We explain what those numbers mean and how small adjustments now can prevent bigger problems later.
Your 40s: Catching Changes Early
Your 40s are often when subtle health changes begin to show up. Metabolism may slow, stress levels may increase, and certain risks may become more prominent. This is the decade where screenings start to play a more critical role in early detection.
Cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring continue to be essential, but screenings for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers may become more routine. The current guidelines for women with average risk for breast cancer state that mammograms should begin at age 40. However, depending on your personal history, you may need to start earlier. For men, discussions around prostate health may begin depending on personal and family history.
What stands out at this stage is how personalized care becomes. There is no universal checklist that applies to everyone. Cullman Internal Medicine emphasizes individualized screening plans based on your health history, lifestyle, and risk factors. That kind of tailored approach helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Your 50s: Prioritizing Preventive Care
By the time you reach your 50s, preventive care takes center stage. This is the decade when screenings can truly be lifesaving. Colon cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, is commonly recommended starting at age 45. However, if you have any symptoms of colon distress, you will be encouraged to have a colonoscopy earlier. These screenings are incredibly effective at detecting issues early, often before symptoms appear.
Bone density screening may also be introduced, particularly for women, to assess osteoporosis risk. Regular monitoring of heart health becomes even more important as cardiovascular disease risk increases with age.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, providers work closely with patients to remove the guesswork from this process. They help coordinate screenings, track results over time, and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Having a dedicated primary care physician during this stage means you are not navigating these important decisions alone.
Your 60s and Beyond: Maintaining Health and Independence
In your 60s and beyond, the focus shifts slightly from prevention alone to also maintaining quality of life and independence. Screenings remain important, but they are often adjusted based on your overall health, prior results, and personal preferences.
Routine screenings for vision, hearing, and cognitive health may be included in your care plan. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease require ongoing monitoring and management. Cancer screenings may continue depending on your health history and risk profile.
What matters most in this stage is continuity of care. At Cullman Internal Medicine, the long-term relationships built over the years allow providers to truly understand each patient’s health journey. That continuity leads to better decisions, more personalized care, and a stronger sense of trust.
Why Wellness Visits Matter More Than You Think
It is easy to think of doctor visits as necessary only when you feel sick. In reality, wellness visits are one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your health.
These visits are not rushed or reactive. They are intentional and proactive. They give your provider time to review your health history, update screenings, discuss lifestyle changes, and identify any early warning signs. Even small changes in your health can be caught and addressed early during these visits.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, wellness visits are designed to be thorough and meaningful. Providers take a whole-person approach, looking at everything from physical health to mental well-being. This comprehensive care model ensures that you are not just treated, but truly cared for.
The Value of a Trusted Primary Care Partner
One of the most important factors in staying on top of your health screenings is having a consistent primary care physician. This relationship is not just about convenience. It is about continuity, trust, and personalized care.
Your primary care physician keeps track of your screening schedule, monitors changes over time, and adjusts recommendations as your needs evolve. They serve as your advocate, helping you navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions.
Cullman Internal Medicine takes this role seriously. Our team works closely with each patient to create a clear, personalized plan for screenings and preventive care. They also coordinate with specialists when needed, ensuring that your care remains seamless and well-managed.
Staying on Track for a Healthier Future
Health screenings are not just boxes to check. They are essential tools that help you live a longer, healthier life. Starting in your 20s and continuing through every decade, these screenings provide insight, direction, and peace of mind.
The key is consistency. By attending regular wellness visits and building a strong relationship with your primary care provider, you can stay ahead of potential health issues and make informed choices about your well-being.
Cullman Internal Medicine is committed to helping you do exactly that. With a focus on prevention, personalized care, and long-term health, our team ensures you are always on the right path with screenings.
Your health is a lifelong journey. With the right support and a proactive approach, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you are doing everything possible to protect it. If you are looking for a trusted partner in your healthcare walk, please contact Cullman Internal Medicine.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.