A Tune-up for Your Health
When life gets busy, we can neglect our health without thinking about it.
No matter how hectic your schedule becomes, it’s vital to keep getting routine health screenings.
Take Charge of Your Health
Even if you’re not having any health problems, you should still see your doctor for routine checkups. Many of the top risk factors for serious health problems are within your control. That’s why it’s key to stay on track through routine screenings.
Get Your Yearly Checkup
At your yearly physical, you can talk to your doctor about your wellness goals and any concerns you may have. Your doctor can make sure you’re caught up on your vaccines. Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose checks can warn of health problems.
You may need to think about other types of health screenings. An early diagnosis can lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Learn More About Routine Health Screenings:
- Colon Cancer Screenings
Experts say adults ages 45 to 75 should get colon cancer screenings. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Screening methods include stool tests and colonoscopies. During a colonoscopy, a thin, lighted tube is used to look for cancer or polyps in the patient’s rectum and colon. Your doctor can choose the right test for you based on your risk factors and health.
- Breast Cancer Screenings
Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray image taken of the breast as it’s pressed between two plates.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force says women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every other year.
- Cervical and Lung Cancer Screenings
Experts advise screening for cervical and lung cancer. Women should get routine Pap tests starting at age 21. These exams can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could turn into cancer.
If you are or have been a heavy smoker and are between ages 50 and 80, experts advise a yearly lung cancer screening.
- Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. You are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer if you have a history of sunburns or tanning.
You should conduct routine self-exams to look for growths or changes on your skin. You also should think about setting up a routine skin exam with a dermatologist. These screenings can catch skin cancer early, before it spreads.
Invest in Your Long-Term Health
You take your car in for routine upkeep to ensure it keeps running smoothly. You might even decide to tune up your car before a long road trip. These measures can find small problems before they become major issues. The same is true for your health. Contact your doctor today to see what screenings are right for you.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force is an independent organization that offers health information you may find helpful.