Are you taking charge of your health?

Our good health is our greatest asset. Living a healthy lifestyle complete with appropriate exercise, proper nutrition, and regular fun and stress relief are the best ways to keep our bodies and minds healthy. 

Of course, even the best lifestyle habits can't prevent every health issue. Taking control of our health includes regular wellness checks and health screenings to catch any illnesses or issues before they become a bigger problem. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that 50 percent of Americans live with a chronic disease like cancer or heart disease. Many of these illnesses are preventable, particularly when coupled with early detection when the issue is easier to treat and before it has caused any complications. 

Take a look at this recommended screening schedule and talk with your doctor about scheduling yours:

Blood Pressure

For adults ages 18-40, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends blood pressure screenings every three to five years. For those over the age of 40, yearly tests are recommended. Your doctor may suggest more screenings if you have certain risk factors for high blood pressure, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or an unhealthy diet.

Colon Screening

In general, the American Cancer Society suggests that people over the age of 45 talk to their doctors about when to get screenings for colon cancer, and which type of screening is right for them. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you might need to start your screenings before the age of 45.

Cholesterol Screening

The American Heart Association says that everyone over the age of 20 should have a cholesterol screening every four to six years. Age is one risk factor for cardiovascular disease; if you are an older adult, or if you have additional risk factors (family history, smoking, diabetes, etc.), you may need to be tested more often.

Diabetes Screening

According to the American Diabetes Association, "evaluation of the general population should be considered by their health care provider at 3-year intervals beginning at age 45." For those with risk factors (family history, race, signs of insulin resistance, etc.), your doctor may recommend screenings more often or starting at an earlier age.

Dental Exams

For the general population, the American Dental Association recommends dental exams and professional cleanings at least once per year. However, it's important to discuss your oral health with your dentist, as some people require more frequent exams and cleanings. 

Eye Exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline exam at age 40; you should start these exams at a younger age if you have certain risk factors for eye disease, like diabetes, family history, and high blood pressure. People over the age of 65 should schedule an eye exam every one to two years.

Osteoporosis Screenings

The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests bone density tests for women over age 65 and men over age 70 and both women and men who have broken a bone after turning 50. As with other screenings and tests, your doctor may recommend you start at an earlier age if you have certain risk factors. If you take medication for osteoporosis, you will probably need a bone density test every one to two years.

Mammograms

The Office on Women's Health offers the following guidelines regarding mammograms: "Women ages 50 to 74 years should get a mammogram every 2 years. Women younger than age 50 should talk to a doctor about when to start and how often to have a mammogram."

Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams

Cleveland Clinic recommends pap smears every three years starting at age 21. After a healthy pap at age 30, you can wait five years between tests. If you've had healthy test results throughout your life, you can stop getting the test at age 65. If you have abnormal test results, your doctor will offer guidelines about when your next tests are recommended.

Likewise, pelvic exams may not be required on a yearly basis. It's important to talk to your doctor about any pelvic health concerns, such as incontinence or sexual issues, to determine whether a pelvic exam is needed.

Immunization

It's important to discuss your immunization records and health concerns with your doctor to determine which vaccines you need. In general, the CDC suggests the following for those over age 50:

• Yearly flu shot
• Tdap (if you have not had it yet)
• Td booster (every 10 years)
• Shingles zoster (one dose of ZVL over age 60; two doses of RZV over age 50)
• MMR and Chickenpox (if you did not receive them as a child)
• Pneumococcal (one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23, depending upon your age and health)

Church Home LifeSprings is here to support you in any way we can – so please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.