Is this you? “I am not sick; I feel well, so why go to the doctor?” Or are you telling yourself, “I know I should get that physical done, but not today, maybe next month.” Soon, a whole year has gone by and not one thing on your health checkup list has been accomplished! Starting today, schedule appointments to have these seven essential screenings done. It could save your life.
1. Cholesterol
Millions of Americans of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds have high cholesterol. It is no wonder that heart disease in the number one killer of adults in North America. Cholesterol tests are standard blood tests ordered by your doctor or health care provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lowering your cholesterol can reduce the risk of:
- Developing heart disease.
- Death from heart disease.
- A nonfatal heart attack.
- Heart bypass surgery or angioplasty.
2. Blood Pressure
Aptly named the “silent killer,” many people have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. High blood pressure is surprisingly symptom free, but is a potentially dangerous condition. It could lead to a stroke, indicate heart disease, and other underlying health problems. A blood pressure check measures the pressure of blood flow against the walls of the blood vessels. This is a non-invasive test and should be checked during annual doctor visits.
3. Mammogram
A recent report issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force essentially recommended that mammograms not begin until age fifty. However, the fact remains that thousands of women’s lives have been saved by early screenings for breast cancer.
Yearly mammograms allow your physician and radiologist to monitor any abnormalities and changes in the breast, and are the best method of detection of this killer disease. Women of any age who find any irregularities during breast self-examinations should see their doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind you can never start self-examinations too early in life.
4. Pap Test/ Prostate Exam
Pap smears look for infections and anomalies in the lining of the cervix and are crucial in the early detection of cervical cancer. They can significantly increase the chances of recovery from cervical cancer and stop it from spreading. All women who are sexually active should have annual pap smears. Personally, I schedule mine on my birthday as a gift to myself.
