Spring is in the air….summer's right around the corner…..and it's time to come out of winter's hibernation! With that said, how about planning an "annual checkup" to kick things off! So what exactly should you get checked, examined and reviewed? Here's a short list of things to do to make sure your health and wellness are where they need to be (and the one's that most insurance plans cover). The following information is a brief revised version provided via University of California's website's Wellness forum (http://wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwLon11PreventiveCare.html):
*Blood pressure check – An absolute must and is usually taken whenever you see your doctor.
*Cholesterol check – Accurate reading of your cholesterol requires you to fast for twelve hours prior to taking the test. Best taken after waking, before coffee or any food/beverage. Almost any "doc in the box" can provide you with a cholesterol check and most insurance plans will pay for this expense.
*Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer screening) – This test rates high on the list of exams you need (annually, after 50 or sooner if your doctor recommends). A mild sedative is given (to alleviate discomfort) but you will need someone to drive you home following the exam. Plan to have the option to have the day off (just in case you feel you need time to recover).
*Pap smear (for women ages 18-65) – If you are sexually active, then you need this exam. If your exam results are normal, then usually after age 65 these exams are no longer required (but let your gynecologist advise you whether or not to continue annual exams).
*Mammography (breast examination) – All women over 50, but some should be seen as early as 40 (again, let your doctor advise you). Also ask your doctor to show you how to self-examine your breasts so that early detection can help you stay healthy.
*Prostate and digital rectal examinations – All African American men over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer. For others, starting at 50 is recommended.
*Diabetes – Anyone with a family history, every three years. Certain ethnic groups (i.e. African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Hispanic) and obese individuals need this examination more frequently.
*Thyroid screen – Women over 50 with a family history of thyroid disease, high cholesterol or as advised.
*Glaucoma – Over 65, very nearsighted, suffer from sleep apnea and/or diabetic individuals will benefit (mostly) from having this annual exam. If you are African American and over 40, this exam is highly recommended.
*Dental checkups (cleaning and exam) – I cannot recommend this one enough; in fact, I suggest an exam every 6 months. Our mouth provides many messages sent from our body. A dental exam can tell your doctor a lot about what's going on inside of you (that they might otherwise miss seeing). Poor health and wellness (diet) will become evident in our teeth and gums.
Quick tip: Plan your annual exam today….it might just save you a lot of unnecessary aggravation and medical expense later on in life.
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