Author name: aventino

By: Prof. Guido Castelli Gattinara (Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Specialist), Dr. Paola Groff (Pediatrician), Dr. Blegina Shashaj (Pediatrician), Dr. Catherine Stainier (Pediatrician). Why read this articleIf you are living in Rome with private health insurance, applying for — or not yet holding — an Italian Health Card (Tessera Sanitaria), or trying to align your children’s vaccination schedule with the Italian one, this guide will help you understand what to do, where to go, and how to request reimbursement. Understanding the Italian Vaccination Schedule The Lifetime Immunization Schedule – 5th Edition 2025, developed on the basis of recommendations issued by Italy’s leading scientific societies, offers a clear and practical guide to the vaccinations recommended at every stage of life. This framework is part of the institutional structure of the National Vaccination Prevention Plan (PNPV) 2023–2025, which serves as the national point of reference for vaccine policy in Italy. The vaccination schedule is uniform throughout the country, shared between the State and the Regions, and broadly aligned with those used in other Western countries. For adults, recommended vaccines vary according to age and clinical circumstances and may include: annual influenza vaccination, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) boosters every 10 years, MMR/varicella in the absence of immunity (through previous illness or vaccination), HPV (human papillomavirus), pneumococcal vaccination, and herpes zoster vaccination for specific age groups or risk categories. For children, both mandatory and recommended vaccinations are administered according to age, including the hexavalent vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccines, MMRV, and others. (Useful links can be found at the end of this article.) Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination: each year, the Ministry of Health and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) publish updated recommendations. For 2024–25, revised doses were issued for different age groups. It is advisable to check the priority groups and dosage recommendations every season. With or Without an Italian Health Card: What Changes? Where to Get Vaccinated in Rome Documentation: after vaccination, we provide complete documentation for school, travel, insurance, and reimbursement purposes, including the vaccine name, date, dose, site and route of administration, batch number, expiry date, physician’s signature, and official stamp. Children: How to Align a Foreign Vaccination Schedule If you arrive in Italy with a foreign vaccination booklet or record, it is important to always bring: Based on the documentation provided, the pediatrician or vaccinating physician can assess equivalence with the Italian schedule and, if necessary, propose a catch-up plan for any missing doses or boosters. Please note that the Italian vaccination schedule includes 10 mandatory vaccines for children and adolescents aged 0–16 years. RSV Immunization: What It Is and Where It Is Given In recent years, growing attention has been paid to the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis and respiratory infections in infants, especially during the first months of life. In Italy, newborn protection may be provided through immunization with monoclonal antibodies. This is not the classic vaccine included in the routine pediatric vaccination schedule, but rather a preventive measure designed to protect newborns during the season of highest risk. Administration usually takes place in hospital, often in the maternity unit before discharge. In other cases, it may be arranged by the family pediatrician, where available, or by the local ASL vaccination centres. Adults: Which Vaccines Should Be Considered? The vaccinations most frequently considered in adulthood include: Other vaccinations may be indicated depending on personal circumstances, individual risk factors, or epidemic outbreaks, such as meningococcal ACWY or meningococcal B vaccination. Recommendations may vary according to age, medical history, pregnancy, occupation, travel plans, and the presence of chronic diseases: this is why a personalised medical assessment is always useful. For seasonal COVID-19 vaccination, updated recommendations should be checked every year. Vaccinations Before Travelling Abroad For some international trips, it may be important to check in advance whether specific boosters or vaccinations are needed, depending on the destination, type of stay, and personal circumstances. In some cases, vaccines are recommended; in others, they may be required for entry into the destination country. A dedicated blog article on this topic will be published shortly. School Requirements and Vaccination Documents For nursery, preschool and primary school, vaccination certificates, self-declarations or official proof of vaccination may be required. If some mandatory doses are missing, a catch-up plan may be requested within an agreed timeframe. It is always advisable to ask the school directly which documents are required and, if needed, contact the ASL or the doctor who administered the vaccinations in order to obtain the correct paperwork. Private Health Insurance: How to Request Reimbursement If you have private health insurance, it may be useful to check in advance: Always keep the invoice and all available medical documentation. Some insurers also require a prescription, a clinical indication or a medical certificate; others reimburse only the cost of the vaccine and not the medical service itself. Frequently Asked Questions I do not have an Italian Health Card: can I still be vaccinated? Yes. You can be vaccinated at a private medical facility, with direct payment and possible reimbursement from your insurance afterwards. I was vaccinated abroad: are those vaccines valid in Italy? Yes, provided they are properly documented. The physician will assess the equivalence of the products used and any boosters required according to the Italian PNPV. Useful Official Links 📍 Do you need to align a foreign vaccination schedule, plan booster doses, or organise vaccinations before travelling? Book an assessment at Aventino Medical Group. We help you define a clear, personalised vaccination pathway for both children and adults, and provide the documentation needed for school, work, insurance, and reimbursement requests.

By the Doctors: Nico Naumann, Gynecologist; Valeria Gianfreda, Pelvic Floor Surgeon; Francesca Maccioni, Radiologist and Ultrasound Specialist; Christine Blondeel, Midwife and Specialist in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. Dr. Nico Naumann, gynecologist, introduces a topic that concerns a great many women and that, even today, is often experienced in silence. Increasingly frequently, after menopause — but sometimes even before — patients report a sensation of pelvic heaviness or the perception that “something is descending.” During examination, a genital prolapse may be identified, with possible weakening of the anterior vaginal wall and involvement of the bladder, or of the rectal compartment. As Dr. Naumann emphasizes, symptoms may simultaneously affect multiple domains: urinary, intestinal, and sexual. For this reason, a comprehensive pelvic floor evaluation is essential today. Prolapse is not a problem “of a single organ.” It is a condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach and a three-compartment evaluation, integrating gynecological, surgical, diagnostic, and rehabilitative expertise. How common is prolapse and why does it occur? Dr. Valeria Gianfreda, a pelvic floor surgeon, explains that pelvic organ prolapse is far more common than many people think. Estimates suggest it may affect 30% to 50% of women, and the true figures may be even higher: many patients do not talk about their symptoms out of embarrassment or because they consider them “inevitable” after pregnancy or with advancing age. However, when prolapse starts to impact quality of life, effective diagnostic and treatment pathways are available. Why it occurs: main risk factorsProlapse is often the result of several factors that accumulate over time. The main risk factors include: Warning signs not to ignore Dr. Gianfreda reminds us that prolapse rarely presents with a single, isolated symptom. More often, it involves multiple compartments (bladder, vagina/uterus, rectum). Urinary area Genital area Rectal area 👉 The right time to consult a specialist is when these symptoms start to affect daily activities, well-being, and quality of relationships. Diagnosis: why dynamic examinations are needed Dr. Francesca Maccioni, radiologist and ultrasound specialist, explains that when pelvic organ prolapse is discussed, it is often seen as a “bladder” or “bowel” problem. In reality, the pelvic floor is an integrated system: the organs influence one another, and symptoms can be mixed. For this reason, the most appropriate diagnostic approach is often dynamic imaging: it does not simply capture the organs’ position, but observes their movement during function. Dynamic examinations make it possible to assess: This approach is essential to avoid partial diagnoses and to plan targeted therapy. MR defecography Magnetic resonance imaging with a defecographic study makes it possible to evaluate the bladder, uterus/vagina, and rectum during functional maneuvers. It is particularly indicated in the presence of: Dynamic cysto-colpo-defecography This is an alternative diagnostic method with the same goal: to functionally document organ descent and their reciprocal relationships. As Dr. Maccioni explains, the choice between the two examinations depends on: Complementary examinations Depending on the clinical picture, the following may be added: These are not alternatives to dynamic examinations, but pieces that complete the diagnostic puzzle. When surgery is needed Dr. Valeria Gianfreda explains that surgery is considered mainly for prolapse beyond stage II, when symptoms have a tangible impact on everyday life: walking, working, traveling, having sexual intercourse, and taking care of oneself. A key point is uterine preservation whenever possible. A hysterectomy can alter pelvic anatomy and affect bladder and rectal function, in addition to having a significant emotional impact. For this reason, it is avoided unless strictly necessary. Minimally invasive P.O.P.S. technique The P.O.P.S. technique is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure for multi-organ prolapse. It involves: A benefit that many patients particularly value is preservation of the uterus, when clinically feasible. Rehabilitation: the core of the therapeutic pathway Dr. Christine Blondeel, a midwife specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation, emphasizes that prolapse treatment is not the same for every woman. It follows a gradual and personalized pathway, as also recommended by the guidelines of the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA). Early prolapse (stages I–II): when rehabilitation can make a difference In the early stages, in the absence of severe symptoms, first-line treatment is conservative. A structured Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) program can: The pathway begins with an assessment of proprioception and the ability to perform a voluntary contraction. If difficulties are identified, biofeedback or functional electrical stimulation may be used.In parallel, work focuses on: Preoperative rehabilitation When prolapse is advanced (stages III–IV) and surgery is indicated, preoperative rehabilitation significantly improves outcomes. The program includes: 1️⃣ Pelvic floor strengthening2️⃣Deep abdominal strengthening (hypopressive exercises, transversus abdominis activation)3️⃣ Behavioral education, with attention to: Patients who prepare the perineum before surgery often show better postoperative contraction and less loss of tone. Postoperative rehabilitation Surgery restores anatomy, but it does not automatically correct muscular dysfunction or abdomino-pelvic dynamics. Dr. Blondeel notes that postoperative rehabilitation—generally started 6–8 weeks after surgery, as advised by the surgeon—aims to: One of the main factors behind recurrence is chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure (constipation, persistent cough, heavy lifting, breath-holding during effort). Pelvic floor education teaches exhalation–contraction coordination and non-straining bowel strategies, which are essential to maintain surgical results over time. An integrated pathway for pelvic floor health As Dr. Nico Naumann reiterates, prolapse should not be experienced as a condition to simply “put up with.” It is common, but today it can be managed with tailored strategies. At Aventino Medical Group in Rome, the pathway is truly multidisciplinary: The goal is not only to correct anatomy, but to restore quality of life, function, and well-being. If you have persistent urinary, genital, or intestinal symptoms—such as a sensation of pelvic heaviness, incontinence, urgency, or difficulty with bowel movements—book a specialist evaluation to set up a comprehensive, personalized care pathway. Pelvic floor health deserves attention, expertise, and an integrated approach.

By Dr. Gabriella Nataloni and Dr. Alessandro Cristaudo, internal medicine physicians at Aventino Medical Group, Rome. Practical guide for people living in or staying in Rome In Italy, medical emergencies are managed mainly by hospital Emergency Departments (Pronto Soccorso – PS) and the territorial emergency system (118 / 112).Access to care does not follow the order of arrival, but the severity of the condition. Understanding when to go to the Emergency Department, which numbers to call and what to expect is essential if you live in Rome or are here temporarily. When and how to access the Emergency Department You can reach the Emergency Department (PS) in four ways: When the Emergency Department is appropriate It is indicated for problems that cannot wait, such as: For minor issues (colds, mild pain, prescription renewals, medical certificates, routine check-ups), it is better to contact: Triage: who is seen first When you arrive at the ED, a triage nurse quickly assesses your condition (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, brief history) and assigns a priority code. In the Lazio region a 5-code system is used: Code Colour Meaning Examples 1 🔴 Red Absolute emergency – immediate cardiac arrest, shock, coma 2 🟠 Orange High urgency – very rapid chest pain, major trauma 3 🔵 Light blue Deferrable urgency – can wait high fever, moderate pain 4 🟢 Green Minor urgency mild symptoms, localised pain 👉 This system is not a matter of politeness, but a way to ensure that people whose lives are at risk are treated immediately, even if they arrived later than others. What happens once you arrive The typical Emergency Department pathway: 1. Registration (Accettazione) Your personal details are recorded. You will be asked for:– ID card or passport– Italian health card (if available)– any insurance documents 2. Triage Brief symptom assessment and assignment of a priority code. 3. Waiting time Depends on:– the code assigned– the number of patients present– available resources (doctors, beds, etc.) 4. Medical examination and tests The doctor decides which tests are needed, for example:– blood and urine tests– ECG– X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, etc. 5. Final decision – discharge with treatment plan and instructions– short-stay observation (OBI – Osservazione Breve Intensiva) for a few hours– hospital admission to a ward Waiting times: what is realistic On average (indicative values): During periods of high attendance (weekends, flu season, viral outbreaks, public holidays), waiting times are longer, especially for less serious conditions. Indicative waiting times on regional portals (e.g., Salute Lazio – Emergency Room). Costs and co-payments If you have an Italian health card (SSN) If you do not have an Italian health card You may have to pay the full cost of care at the time of service, unless: Private hospitals and clinics Where to go in Rome in case of emergency Major public hospitals with Emergency Department (short, non-exhaustive list) Private accredited hospitals with ED under the National Health Service (SSN) In these hospitals, the Emergency Department can work both under the SSN (with health card) and in private / insurance mode. 24/7 urgent care in private clinics (non-SSN ED) These clinics provide 24/7 private urgent care, with the possibility of admission and, often, English-speaking and multilingual staff. What the Emergency Department does (and does not) treat Typical Emergency Department situations Situations not for the Emergency Department In these cases it is more appropriate to contact: Documents and information to bring When you go to the Emergency Department, it is useful to bring: 👉 Always ask for a detailed invoice (“fattura parlante”) if you may need an insurance reimbursement. Paediatric emergencies For children, it is preferable, when possible, to go to a paediatric Emergency Department: Other general hospitals (e.g. San Camillo, Sant’Eugenio) can offer paediatric consultations, but they do not have a dedicated paediatric ED. Practical tips for visitors and expats Useful numbers in Italy Service Number Note Medical emergency 118 Ambulance / emergency medical aid Single emergency number 112 Police, carabinieri, fire, rescue Out-of-hours medical service 116117 Non-urgent problems outside GP hours Lazio regional health information 800 118 800 Salute Lazio toll-free number

In Rome you can receive care through the SSN (public) and the private sector. They often work in combination. Here you’ll find: how to access care, useful documents, payments/reimbursements, and when to choose one or the other. How does the SSN work in Rome, in practice? Strengths: hospital network, chronic-care pathways, inpatient coverage.Frequent limits in Rome: waits for visits/diagnostics, uneven availability, language barrier. How does private care work (with or without insurance)? Strengths: fast timelines, flexible hours, multilingual staff, insurance support.Limits: costs if not covered; some policies require pre-authorisations. SSN or private: when is one, the other, or both worthwhile? Which documents should I always carry? I’m not resident in Rome/Italy: what changes for me? EU/EEA/CH on a short visit EU resident in Rome Non-EU with permit and resident Non-EU non-resident (tourism/short stay) Staff of international organisations (e.g. UN) Students How do I book SSN visits/exams step-by-step? How do I get reimbursed for a private visit with insurance? Quick FAQs (most searched) Can I combine public and private care?Yes—often the best choice: SSN for continuity/hospital care; private for timelines, language, coordination and insurance. I’m not in the SSN: can I still get care?Yes: in the private sector (ideally with a policy). For non-deferrable needs in the public system there are STP/ENI. How does the Emergency Department work?Open access for emergencies; priority set by 5-level triage. What does TEAM/EHIC cover?Medically necessary public care under the same conditions as residents (co-pays may apply). Are teleconsultations and home visits available?In the private sector they often are, when clinically appropriate. Immediate checklist before you leave home Useful numbers Key message (to remember) In Rome, the public system remains central for emergencies and chronic care, and hospital admissions are available in both the public and private sectors. The private route is a primary option when speed, multilingual care, coordinated specialists, and insurance documentation are priorities. Thoughtfully combining the two pathways helps you get better care, faster.

By Dr. Emanuela Quagliata, psychologist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome At Aventino Medical Group, with the support of our paediatricians, I work together with our paediatric neuro-psychomotor therapist to organise special days dedicated to parenting and to infant development in the first months of life. These meetings are designed to offer new parents a calm space for listening, observation and open discussion about the very first steps in their baby’s growth. Every family is unique, just as every child is unique: what is helpful in one situation may not be helpful in another. These meetings are not intended to provide prescriptions or to tell parents what they ‘should’ do. Each child grows at their own pace; some develop more quickly in certain areas and more slowly in others. The experience of pregnancy and birth is lived differently by every mother and within every parental couple. The aim of these meetings is to observe the child together, explore their signals, and reflect on the most appropriate ways of responding to them, enriching one’s understanding of the child. At times, it can be very useful to look at difficulties from a new perspective. We may focus on the feelings of the mother and father, on the possible challenges of breastfeeding, on organising sleep routines, or on the difficulties in understanding or tolerating the baby’s crying. In the first months of life, the infant has very limited ways of expressing what they feel and they are in a state of total dependence and helplessness in relation to the caregiver.  We will reflect on the meaning of the child’s behaviours and on the parents’ doubts and concerns. Mothers and fathers can find much practical information in books but in these meetings we make space for your personal experience, understanding the meaning of your baby’s emotional states, her/his mental development, and her/his relationship with their parents and other significant caregivers. The bond with the child begins long before birth: for a long time, mothers – as well as fathers – have imagined themselves in the role of parent. Some fears are present even before pregnancy; at times they are clear, while other times they remain more hidden. The birth of a child inevitably brings changes in the couple’s life, and the pregnancy itself heightens attention toward one’s inner world and toward the baby who is about to arrive. When pregnancy or birth is difficult, or has involved risks for the mother or the baby, these fears may influence the formation of the first attachment bond. Sharing thoughts and concerns can help build this fundamental attachment bond more calmly, supporting the well-being of the child and the family. Quagliata,E. ‘Neonati Visti da Vicino’, Astrolabio. ‘Closely Observed Infants’ Karnac.Quagliata,E. ‘Cento e un Bambino’ Collana di libri per genitori.Quagliata, E. ‘Un Bisogno Vitale: difficoltà alimentari nell’infanzia’, Astrolabio.

By Dr. Margherita Dal Piaz, Developmental Neuro-psychomotor Therapist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome The first days and weeks after birth are a unique and intense time, when every parent tries to understand their baby: why they cry, what soothes them, what they like, and what bothers them.During this new and delicate phase—where joy often alternates with fatigue and anxiety—many parents ask themselves: “Am I really understanding my baby? Am I responding correctly to their needs?”The NBO – Newborn Behavioral Observation System was created to support families in this sensitive period, helping them read their newborn’s signals and discover their abilities and ways of communicating from the very first days of life. What is the NBO method? The NBO is an observation-based approach developed by American pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton and his team at Harvard University. It is a dedicated session involving parents, their newborn, and a trained professional. Together, they explore how the baby communicates and relates to the world. During the observation, the professional guides parents in noticing how their baby responds to different stimuli—voice, light, touch—and how they express their needs through subtle body cues, gaze, and crying. The NBO is not a test and not a clinical assessment. It is a moment of shared discovery, where parents can observe their baby and become aware of what their child is already able to do and how they signal their needs. Learning to read the baby’s signals helps parents feel more confident and calm, and helps the newborn feel seen, welcomed, and understood. This process strengthens mutual trust and lays a solid foundation not only for the relationship, but also for neurodevelopment. There is, in fact, strong evidence that a responsive, calm caregiving environment has a positive impact on a child’s growth and on the development of their ability to adapt, interact, and learn. In short, the NBO can be seen as a communication bridge: it helps the newborn feel understood and helps parents discover that they already have the inner resources needed to support their child. NBO at Aventino Medical Group: personalised sessions to understand your baby At Aventino Medical Group, we consider the NBO method a practical tool to help parents decode their baby’s signals in everyday life.Sessions are led by our developmental neuro-psychomotor therapist, specifically trained in NBO, and are tailored to each family: the baby’s rhythm, parents’ questions, and situations that may raise concerns (crying, sleep, feeding, awake moments, interaction with siblings, etc.).Each session lasts around 30–45 minutes and takes place in a calm environment that fully respects the newborn’s wake and rest times.NBO is particularly recommended during the first three months of life, but it can be helpful at any moment when parents feel the need to better understand their baby. It is open to all families, with or without specific concerns: a dedicated space to observe your baby together, recognise their abilities, and lay the foundations for a secure bond. Conclusion: giving parents a concrete tool to better read their newborn The NBO method does not replace a standard medical consultation; it complements it by offering parents simple, reliable tools to understand their baby, feel more confident, and support their emotional and neurodevelopmental growth. By learning to recognise their newborn’s signals, parents can adjust their responses more effectively, and the baby feels more protected, understood, and soothed. 👉 If you are expecting a baby or have just welcomed one, you can book an NBO session with our developmental neuro-psychomotor therapist at Aventino Medical Group in Rome. Specialised support to turn early doubts into practical resources, strengthen the bond with your baby, and build a safe, nurturing environment from the very beginning.

By Dr. Christine Blondeel, Midwife specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation at Aventino Medical Group, Rome Introduction: Understanding the pelvic floor to break taboos The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support essential organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Despite its fundamental role, it is still a little-discussed subject, often surrounded by cultural taboos. Many women live with urinary leaks, a feeling of heaviness, or pain, believing these to be “normal” discomforts linked to age or childbirth. In reality, they are not!Pelvic floor rehabilitation, through targeted programs, helps restore function, muscle tone where needed, or conversely relaxation and well-being, thus improving quality of life. According to the International Urogynecological Association, personalized rehabilitation pathways significantly reduce urinary incontinence and improve sexual health and psychological well-being. What is the pelvic floor and why is it important? The pelvic floor is a muscular structure that acts as a “support hammock” for pelvic organs. Its proper function is essential for urinary and fecal continence control, lumbar stability, and sexual health. When it loses tone and elasticity, it can cause symptoms such as incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, prolapse, or difficulties in sexual relations. Many studies, including those published in the Journal of Women’s Health, show that prevention and targeted training of these muscles reduce the risk of disorders even during menopause. Talking about the pelvic floor means talking about women’s health as a whole, breaking the silence that has too often limited the quality of life for many women. What is pelvic floor rehabilitation? Pelvic floor rehabilitation programs are personalized pathways, tailored to the needs of each patient. They may include guided Kegel exercises, body awareness techniques, biofeedback, electrostimulation, and postural education. The goal is to restore pelvic floor muscle function, improve control, and promote well-being. Guidelines from the European Urology Association confirm that rehabilitation can reduce urinary incontinence episodes by up to 70% in women with mild symptoms and significantly improve quality of life. The approach is non-invasive and progressive, with concrete results often visible after just a few weeks. At Aventino Medical Group, programs are led by a midwife specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation, in close collaboration with the gynecologists and urologists of the center. When to consult a specialist? Acting early is the key to regaining well-being Many women wait too long before consulting a professional, normalizing symptoms such as small urinary leaks, pain during intercourse, or a feeling of pelvic heaviness. In reality, the earlier the intervention, the better the results. It is advisable to see a specialist after childbirth, at menopause, or as soon as the first symptoms appear.At Aventino Medical Group, the midwife specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation works in synergy with gynecologists and urologists, offering a multidisciplinary, women-centered approach. This pathway not only resolves bothersome symptoms but also restores confidence, energy, and freedom. Conclusion: Investing in women’s health The pelvic floor is a cornerstone of women’s health, but still too little known. Disorders such as incontinence and pelvic pain should not be accepted as inevitable: with targeted rehabilitation programs led by experienced professionals, it is possible to return to a serene and active life.👉 Don’t wait: book a consultation with our midwife specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation at Aventino Medical Group in Rome to find the pathway best suited to your needs.

 By Dr. Alessandro Cristaudo, Internist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome Autumn as an Opportunity for Prevention With October comes a new phase of the year: shorter days, temperature changes, and a return to full work and sports activities. It is also a time when certain issues may emerge more frequently: fatigue, palpitations or extrasystoles linked to work stress, headaches, reduced concentration, or digestive disorders. These are often overlooked signals that deserve attention. An autumn check-up does not mean undergoing unnecessary batteries of tests, but rather making a focused assessment of your health with an internist. Through consultation and physical examination, the doctor can evaluate the main risk parameters and, when necessary, prescribe targeted tests for further investigation. What a Basic Check-up Includes There is no rigid scheme, but some tests and evaluations are commonly recommended: The strength of a check-up lies not in the number of tests performed but in tailoring them to the patient’s medical history. An isolated lab result has little meaning without clinical context. Why Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference Many conditions begin silently. Hypertension, for example, can remain asymptomatic for years while progressively increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. The same applies to elevated glucose, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, which accelerates atherosclerosis. Identifying these conditions early allows intervention with simple yet effective strategies: improving diet, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing alcohol and tobacco use. In some cases, early pharmacological treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications. According to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes. Autumn and Seasonal Vaccines With the arrival of autumn, in addition to check-up tests, it is important to consider vaccinations: a simple step to reduce the risk of illness during the colder months. 👉 Integrating an autumn check-up with preventive vaccinations means facing winter more protected and safeguarding the well-being of those around us. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions Who should get an autumn check-up? Anyone over 40, those with risk factors (overweight, smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease), or anyone wishing to focus on prevention. Which tests are essential? Blood pressure, basic blood tests, internist examination. Depending on clinical profile and risk factors, the doctor may prescribe other tests (ECG, ultrasounds…). Do I need symptoms to schedule a check-up? No. Its usefulness lies in early diagnosis, allowing action before symptoms appear. Where can I get a check-up in Rome? At Aventino Medical Group, with internists and over 20 other specialties available. Conclusion: An Investment in the Future An autumn check-up means facing the season with greater awareness. It is not just about detecting disease, but about enhancing prevention, improving lifestyle, and protecting long-term health. 👉 Book your check-up in Rome today at Aventino Medical Group or via Doctolib.

By Dr. Giorgia Soreca, Gynecologist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome Prevention as an investment in health Gynecological health is not only about treating disorders but above all about prevention. Regular check-ups and targeted screenings allow for the early diagnosis of infections, lesions, and tumors, increasing the chances of recovery and reducing the need for invasive treatments. Autumn, with its more regular rhythms, is the ideal time to schedule a gynecological visit. Ages 20–30: building the foundations of prevention At this stage of life, the goal is to prevent infections and protect future fertility. These years are fundamental for establishing healthy lifestyle habits and gynecological awareness that will guide future choices. Ages 30–40: balancing work, family, and health This decade brings great challenges: career, motherhood, and time management. But prevention should never be set aside. Ages 40–50: transition and new checks In this phase, prevention expands as the body begins to change. This is the time not to neglect check-ups, as early diagnosis remains the key to every health strategy. Over 50: long-term protection With menopause, the risk of some conditions changes, but prevention remains crucial. FAQ – The most common questions on gynecological prevention How often should I have a Pap smear? Annual check-ups do not increase protection and may cause false positives and anxiety. However, if there are risk factors (immunosuppression, unprotected sex, multiple partners, family history of cancer), earlier checks are recommended. Do I still need gynecological visits after menopause? Yes. Even if fertility has ended, gynecological health remains important. It is useful to monitor symptoms such as dryness, painful intercourse, incontinence, or prolapse, as well as to continue cancer prevention until age 64. Is the HPV vaccine useful in adulthood? Yes. Although most effective when given in adolescence, it can still provide benefits after age 26 in selected clinical situations, reducing the risk of persistent infections and precancerous lesions. Is it normal to have irregular cycles after age 40? It may be linked to perimenopause, a transition phase with fluctuating hormones and less regular cycles. However, irregular cycles may also indicate other conditions (fibroids, polyps, hormonal dysfunctions) that deserve investigation. A reference point in Rome At Aventino Medical Group, a polyclinic in the heart of Rome, every woman finds a personalized prevention pathway, with specialists who speak English and other languages. This fosters trust, clarity, and professionalism. Whether young women, busy mothers, or patients in menopause, prevention is always tailored together. Conclusion Gynecological prevention changes with age but always remains an appointment not to postpone. From HPV protection to menopause management, each stage of life requires dedicated check-ups and strategies. 👉 Book your gynecological visit at Aventino Medical Group in Rome and build with us the prevention pathway best suited to you.