Important Health Screenings

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"- Benjamin Franklin

I think it is so important for everyone to have regular check ups, just to make sure things are in working order. Even if you pretty healthy overall, a visit to the doctor at least once a year should be apart of your wellness routine.

So what should you be screened for when you go to the doctor?

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

A normal blood pressure is around 120/80. Alcohol, tobacco use, drug use, high sodium diets, stress, and anxiety can all raise your blood pressure unknowningly. You may be living at 175/95 and be completely asymptomatic (let's hope not)! Or you may be dealing with uneplained headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your lower legs. It's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to prevent development of heart disease or other arterial disease that can lead to problems such as strokes, heart attacks, or kidney disease. If you have a normal blood pressure, you will probably only need to visit the doctor once per year. You may need more frequent visits and medications if your blood pressure is not controlled properly.

Current recommendation: Screening for high blood pressure or hypertension in adults starts at age 18 but you may be screened earlier if you have certain risk factors (family history, obesity, certain health conditions)

DIABETES

Our standard American diet filled with highly processed foods can put you at risk for developing insulin resistance and thus, high blood sugar. Having a high blood sugar for a span of time can eventually develop into diabetes. Make sure to atleast have a fasting blood sugar level checked or a hemoglobin A1C. A hemoglobin A1C measures your blood sugar over a span of three months and can give you a good idea of how well controlled your blood sugar actually is. Preventing the development of diabetes is key through a healthy diet and exercise.

Current recommendation: Screening for diabetes is recommended for adults aged 35 to 70 years older who are overweight or obese. Consider getting screened earlier if you have a known family history of diabetes.

CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that lives in our bloodstream. It actually serves a beneficial purpose in our bodies to help with hormonal regulation and digestion but too much of this stuff can cause plaque build up in the arteries, which can put you at risk for heart attacks, strokes, or other arterial disease. There are different types of cholesterol including HDL or "good cholesterol"and LDL or "bad cholesterol". Triglycerides are another type of fat substance in the blood that is measured along with your cholesterol to provide useful information about your risk for developing heart attacks or stroke.

Current recommendation: Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years but talk with your doctor about your specific screening schedule.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

This is pretty explanatory but, if you're sexually active, just get tested! Especially if you have new or multiple partners. A full STD panel will typically include testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, HIV, syphillis, hepatitis B and/or C, and others as indicated.

Current recommendation: All sexually active adults should be screening for STDs if there is an increased risk for infection.

CERVICAL CANCER

The purpose of a pap smear is to detect any early signs of cervical cancer. A pap smear is different than just a pelvic exam because it includes the screening for cervical cancer. A pelvic exam can be done for a variety of reasons but may or may not include a pap smear.

Current recommendation: Beginning at age 21, pap smears are recommended every 3 years until age 29. At age 30, it is recommended to have either a pap smear alone every 3 years or a pap smear with HPV cotesting every 5 years.

BREAST CANCER

It is no secret that Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White women.Paying attention to changes in your breasts, talking with family members about possible breast cancer history, and staying on top of recommended mammogram screenings can potentially save your life.

Current recommendation: Starting at age 40, it is recommended that women receive mammograms every other year and continue through age 74. You may need earlier screening or even genetic testing if you have a family history of breast cancer.

COLON CANCER

Colon or colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US amongst adults. Some people may have reservations about obtaining colon cancer screening due to fear of the colonoscopy procedure but you have options! While a colonoscopy is the most accurate at detecting cancer, there are other screening methods available that may be appropriate for you. Talk with your doctor about which one may be right for you.

Current recommendation: All adults age 45 to 75 should be screened for colon cancer who are at average risk. If you have a first degree relative that had colon cancer, you should be screened earlier. Most recently, there have been confirmed cases of younger adults developing colon cancer (I'm talking early 30s!) so we may see a change in the current screening recommendations.

DEPRESSION/ANXIETY

In today's society, depression and anxiety are more present than ever before. We can probably blame social media for how it causes people to constantly compare themselves to others, but there are many other factors that may contribute to one's mood. Make sure your doctor does a quick check in on your mental health before you leave the office. With a quick assessment, he or she can provide you with resources or even start you on a medication if necessary.

Current recommendation: Adults age 64 years or younger should be screening for anxiety. All adults, even older aldults should be screened for depression. This includes pregnant and post partum patients.

There are plenttttyy of other screening tests that you can have done at your doctor's visit that I did not include in this post. Be sure to ask your doctors which screenings are right for you depending on your current health status.

Just a few more things:

Screenings should be covered by your health insurance because they are a preventive service, but always try to check with your insurance company before your appointment.

All current recommendations are based on information provided by the U.S Preventive Services Task Force.

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Stay well,

Rachel Delsarte, MD

Disclaimer: this is not direct medical advice and only general medical information. Please consult your primary care physician for specific concerns