Checkups and Tests You Shouldn't Miss
Checkups and Tests You Shouldn't Miss
Routine Physical Exam
Some people see their doctor every year fora physical to make sure everything is OK.
There's debate about whether you need to
go that often. In the end, it depends on your:
•Age
•General health
•Risk factors for certain problems
Your doctor will ask you about your health
and lifestyle. They'll listen to your heart and
lungs and probably get your weight and vital
signs.
Height and Weight
Whether you go for a regular physical orsome other checkup, your doctor probably
will get your height and weight. They need
it to measure your BMI (body mass
index). Keeping your BMI in a healthy
range helps protect you from things like
heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some
forms of cancer. Your BMI is based on a
formula of height and weight. If you're not
in the healthy range, your doctor will
suggest ways to help get you there.
Blood Pressure
It’s a measure of the pressure of yourblood against your arteries. If it's too
high, your chances of heart disease and
stroke go up. Normal blood pressure is
less than 120 over 80. Doctors define
high blood pressure, or hypertension, as
130 over 80 or higher. You should get
your blood pressure checked at least
every 2 years. If it's high, you may have
to take it more often. Ask your doctor
how often you should have yours taken.
Cholesterol
This is a type of fat in your blood. Highcholesterol can lead to heart disease and
stroke. You should get your cholesterol
checked every 4-6 years if you're older than
20. Your doctor will likely recommend that
you get it checked more often if you’re an
older adult, male, overweight, or you have:
•A family history of heart disease or high
cholesterol
•Diabetes
•A personal history of high cholesterol
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum bychecking for blood there or for tissue growths
called polyps. If you don't have a high risk for
cancer, start to get these tests when you turn
50. Some experts suggest that African
American adults should start testing at age 45.
Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) should happen
yearly. A sigmoidoscopy, where your doctor
checks part of your colon, should happen every
5 years. You should have a colonoscopy, where
the doctor looks at your entire colon, every 10
years.
Blood Sugar Test
This is a way to check for diabetes orprediabetes. It's a simple test that
measures the level of sugar (also called
glucose) in your blood. You should start
routine testing once you reach age 45.
Your doctor may suggest having it done
sooner if you:
•Are overweight
•Have high cholesterol or high blood
pressure
•Have had gestational diabetes
Skin Check
It's a good idea to check for any changesin moles, freckles, and other marks on
your skin. Experts say you should do a
skin self-exam once a month. When skin
cancers are found early and treated,
they're almost always curable. If you or
someone in your family has had skin
cancer, it is smart to have your skin
looked over regularly by a doctor.
Bone Density
As you age, your bones become thinner and weaker.Over time, that can lead to a condition called
osteoporosis, which can make your bones very weak
and easily broken. If you’re a woman who’s 65 or older
or a man who’s 70 or older, you should have your bone
density tested. If your doctor finds that your bones are
getting weak, there are treatments available.
Your doctor may suggest that you have this test earlier
if you:
•Broke a bone in the past
•Have taken steroids for a long time
•Have rheumatoid arthritis
•Weigh less than 127 pounds
•Have a parent who has broken a hip after a minor
injury
Cervical Cancer Screening
There are a couple of tests for this. A Paptest checks for changes in your cervix that
could become cancer. Your doctor will use an
instrument called a speculum to widen your
vagina and take some cells to examine.
The HPV test looks for a virus that can cause
the cell changes that can lead to cervical
cancer. It can also be done in a doctor’s
office. Talk to your doctor starting at about
age 21 about what's best for you. You might
get both tests or just one.
Prostate Exam
Experts differ on how often you shouldhave this test that checks the prostate
gland for signs of cancer. Most men will
want to start talking with their doctor about
it around age 50. African American men
and men with a family history of prostate
cancer may want to start the talk between
40 and 45 years old. Most often, the test
is a blood test called a PSA test. You may
get a rectal exam instead. Your doctor will
let you know what’s best for you.
Dental Checkup
Hopefully you brush and floss everyday. But it's smart to also see a
dentist regularly so they can look for
cavities, gum disease, and other
problems in your mouth. You may
need to go once or twice a year. It
depends on your oral health and what
you need to do to keep your mouth
and smile looking and feeling good.
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