Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is in the blood
that can build up in the arteries. High levels of cholesterol can be an early indicator
of heart disease. As a general rule, young
people, starting at age 20 should get a cholesterol test every 5 years. Women
after menopause should get a test annually, cholesterol levels rise after
menopause due to the reduction in estrogen levels. High cholesterol can cause heart attacks, it’s
very important to be tested as recommended by the physician. A simple blood
test is all that is involved, and this little test could save a life.
Blood pressure is known as the silent killer, and for a
good reason. A person can have very high blood pressure with no symptoms, which
can create a dangerous situation. A blood pressure reading over 140/90 can put
a stress on the heart, and make it more likely to fail. Blood pressure should
be checked annually age 20-40, provided the numbers are consistently good. After age 40 twice a year providing the readings
are consistently good. High blood pressure can cause a heart attack, even at a
young age. Home blood pressure monitors
are available at retail stores, although should not take the place of doctor
office testing. Some high blood pressure medication can have side effects such
as headaches. There are numerous medications, and one will work, it’s just a
matter of finding the one that works, without causing side effects.
Diabetes is a condition that can damage the kidneys and
ultimately lead to death. Everyone
should be tested for this annually starting at age 20. If readings are high,
the test should be repeated per physician’s advice.
Colonoscopies are the most dreaded exams there are,
that is for the first one. After the first one people realize it’s not that
bad. In fact, the only bad part is the preparation the previous day. This test
can save a life. The test can detect very small polyps before they turn into
cancer. As the test is done, the doctor removes any polyps they see,
eliminating the chances that they develop further. This is an outpatient
procedure, and the patient is sedated, so there is no pain involved. Recommendations
are to begin this as a routine test starting at age 50, however if a patient
has gastrointestinal issues, it may be recommended to begin earlier.
Vision exams may not seem important if the eyesight is
ok, however they are. Most of us simply take out vision for granted, but how
difficult would life be if we suddenly lost it. Vision screenings can detect
problems early enough in most cases to reverse them. Glaucoma can be detected, and while there is
no cure, the progression of the disease can be slowed greatly. For diabetics, an eye exam is very Important,
and can detect if the eyes are being affected by the diabetic condition. Eye exams should begin at 18 and should
continue throughout life.
Skin cancer is at an all-time high. Many people spent
their childhood out in the sun, the entire day, and are now at risk for skin cancer.
When skin cancer is caught early, it is almost always curable. Melanoma is a
very deadly form of skin cancer, and must be treated quickly, or it may not be
able to be treated. Starting at age 40 for most adults, is recommended for
annual skin checks with a dermatologist. For anyone that has experienced
intense sunburns throughout life, they should go by their primary care
physician’s recommendation for being checked. Patients should always be advised
to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective eye wear. Any abnormalities in skin
should always be reported to the physician so it can be biopsied.
These are the more common routine tests that should not
be ignored. The tests are simple to do, and can save a life. Always remind
patients to have anything that develops or appears on skin.
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