We only get one life and the quality of that life is up to us. Taking care of our health is one way to ensure our qualhy oh life remains good eoo a lifetime. Screenings can help detect problems early, which can lead to successful treatment and provide opportunities for us to make healthy changes, thus enabling us to live long and productive lives.
Screenings should start at an early age and the sooner you take control of your health, the better. Most physicians advise not to wait until you are experiencing problems. Some screenings should be done yearly; others, as recommended by your health care provider. Both men and women should get some of the same screenings, while others are specialized to gender and age.
Always check with your health care provider, discuss your options and map out a plan for your continued good health. The following list includes suggestions for care and should never be substituted for medical advice.
Children
• Yearlywellness visits, including health, developmental and physical exams.
• Immunizations (as recommendedbythe Centerfor Disease Control and Prevention) – HepB – birth, with two boosters at 1-2 months and 6-18 months; DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella – ages 4 to 6; DTaP, HPV, MCV4 – ages 11-12 ; MCV4 booster – age 16; Flu shot – 6 months until 18 years • Dental exams – the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggest first exam upon first tooth
• Vision exams – the American Optometric Association suggests an eye exam at 6 months with follow-up around age 2 to 3, then every two years
Dr. Saghar Navid, Family Practice Physician at Clearview Primary Care, states: “It is very important to have children immunized in order to ensure a healthy childhood and adulthood. Immunizations help to prevent preventable disease and is a widely practiced standard of care. As a parent, the health of your child is incredibly important, and immunizations are an easy way to protect your child.”
Women (18-39)
• Yearly wellness visits (includes BP screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes [blood sugar] checks)
• Dental, includes cleaning – yearly
• Vision – every 2 years
• Immunization – Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years; HPV, but not given after age 26; flu shot (possible pneumonia) – yearly
• Gynecological visits – includes pelvic exam and pap smear every 2 years after the age of 21. Conduct monthly breast self-exam and contact your physician if a change in breast is detected.
Women (40-70)
In addition to recommended screenings listed above, include these:
• Colon cancer screenings – ages 50-75, which includes a recommended colonoscopy at the age of 50
• Vision – regular check-up plus glaucoma check yearly after age 60
• Immunization – Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years; flu shot (possible pneumonia shot)- yearly; plus shingles vaccination at age 60
• Gynecological visits – includes pelvic exam and pap smear everyyear. Conduct monthlybreast self-exam and contact your physician if a change in breast is detected
• Mammogram – every two years depending on risk factors
• Osteoporosis screening – bone density test as prescribed by a physician
Men (18-39)
• Yearly wellness visits (includes BP, cholesterol, diabetes [blood sugar] checks)
• Dental, includes cleaning – yearly
• Vision – every 2 years
• Immunization – Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years; flu shot (possible pneumonia) yearly
• Infectious disease screening – based on lifestyle and medical history, frequent screenings for infections such as syphilis, Chlamydia and HIV.
Men (40-70)
In addition to the recommended screenings above, include the following:
• Colon cancer screenings – ages 50-75, which includes a recommended colonoscopy at the age of 50
• Vision – every 2 years
• Immunizations – yearly flu shots, plus shingles vaccination at age 60
• Prostate cancer screening – African-American men are 60 percent more likely to get prostate cancer and it is usually more aggressive.
Dr. David Norman, General Surgeon at Clearview Surgical, states: “Being able to detect early prostate cancers is key to health for any male. Prostate cancer is treatable and slow growing, so early detection is important to treatment and survivability for any man diagnosed.”
Feeling fine is always a good thing, but it is no reason to postpone a trip to your doctor. Checking for potential problems is the proactive solution to meeting and beating them head-on. Do it for yourself, for your family, or just for the health of it.
Sources include: Mayo Clinic, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medline Plus, Trusted Health Information for You, and US National Library of Medicine.
Phillips Family Medicine 