Important screenings to stay healthy

by Larry D. Jones, MPH, Health Director

September 28, 2009

Screenings are medical tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. The purpose of screenings is to find diseases early when they are easier to treat. We often wait until we have symptoms before seeking treatment. In many cases, prevention is better than treatment.

Getting recommended screening tests is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Some screenings that are recommended include:

• Different types of cancer
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Hearing or vision loss

Health experts from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have made recommendations, based on scientific evidence, about testing for the conditions below. Talk to your doctor about which ones apply to you and when and how often you should be tested.

• Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity. (BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.)
• Breast Cancer: Have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40.
• Cervical Cancer: Have a Pap smear every one to three years if you:

- Have ever been sexually active.

- Are between the ages of 21 and 65.

• Prostate Screening: should include an offer for testing with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) yearly, beginning at age 50, to men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have at least a 10-year life expectancy.
• High Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45.
• High Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.
• Colorectal Cancer: Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier.
• Diabetes: Have a test for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Depression: Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. If you have felt "down," sad, or hopeless over the last two weeks or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about being screened for depression.
• Osteoporosis (Thinning of the Bones): Have a bone density test beginning at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis. If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about being tested.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes during your lifetime), you need to be screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in your abdomen.

Also, don’t forget your eyes. Eyes change shapes, dry out, and are vulnerable to disease. Prevention of disease begins with each one of us by taking care of ourselves and getting the necessary screenings.

The Independence Health Department has received a grant offering women free heart assessments at Centerpoint Medical Center. For more information call 325-7185.