Preventative Screenings and Exams are the Key to Good Health
September 25, 2014Missouri Foundation for Health Grant Helps with Hospital Readmissions
September 25, 2014
By Tracey Arwood, CNM
1. Continued pap smears at least every three years to screen for cervical cancer until age 65.
2. Colon cancer screening with a conoloscopy or sigmoidoscopy starting at age 50.
3. Yearly blood pressure screen with annual physical exam
4. Cholesterol/lipid screen every five years starting at age 45. This is a fasting blood test.
5. Annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer starting at age 40 until age 75.
6. Osteoporosis screen with a bone mineral density test every 2 years starting at age 65 or sooner based on risk factors.
7. Screening for Type 2 Diabetes based on risk and elevated blood pressure.
Other screenings based on risk may include screening for sexually transmitted infections, depression, genetic testing for breast cancer genes, thyroid disorder, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
All adults should receive a yearly flu vaccine, a tetanus booster every 10 years, a shingles vaccine at age 60 or older and a pneumonia vaccine at age 65 or older.
For optimal health, I recommend: a yearly medical exam, daily moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day. Eat at least five cups of fruits and vegetables of various colors per day, limiting fried and sugary foods, preparing most meals from scratch at home and switching to whole grain whenever possible. If you are overweight, losing just 10 percent of your body weight can significantly decrease your risk of heart attack. A daily walk outside for at least 15 minutes a day can decrease symptoms of depression, provide stress relief, and provide exercise to prevent chronic health problems. Stopping or decreasing smoking can decrease your risk of many cancers, heart disease, stroke, breathing problems, and chronic pain. Women should limit alcohol intake to no more than one glass per day. A daily supplement of calcium and vitamin D will help prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
For additional information contact Tracey Arwood, CNM at the TCMH Medical Complex in Houston at (417) 967-5639.