Preventive health care
Information:
The most important part of preventive health care is maintaining good health habits. This includes:In addition to these habits, there are some other professional services that may prove worthwhile in either preventing or at least minimizing disease.
1. Periodic screening of adults for specific problems is important and recommended as follows:- pap smear--cervical cancer screening
- Sexually active female adolescents and women over age 20 (regardless of sexual activity) should have an annual pap smear. After 3 negative, consecutive, annual pap smear tests, women who are celibate (not sexually active) or monogamous (have only one partner) and less than 35 to 40 years of age may decrease pap smear testing to every 2 to 3 years.
- Women over 40, women with multiple sexual partners, and women who take oral contraceptives should have an annual pap smear.
- Women with a medical history of HPV (genital warts) should have a pap smear every 6 months.
- breast self examination (BSE)
- should be taught during adolescence and continued on a monthly basis throughout the life span.
- mammography--radiologic (X-ray) evaluation of the breast tissue
- A baseline mammogram is recommended for women between 35 and 40 years.
- Repeat mammograms every 2 years for women between 40 and 50 years old.
- An annual mammogram is recommended for women over 50.
- The mammogram may be done at earlier age or at more frequent intervals, at any age, if problems are suspected or the woman is at increased risk.
- testicular self examination (TSE)
- should be taught during adolescence and continued on a monthly basis throughout the life span.
- prostate cancer screening
- should be evaluated by digital rectal examination and PSA (prostate specific antigen) test annually for men over 40.
- cholesterol screening
- A baseline total cholesterol measurement should be obtained for all adults between 18 and 20 years of age; then, if normal, the test should be repeated every 5 years. Individuals at higher risk, including children with a strong family history of hyperlipidemia, may be screened earlier and at more frequent intervals.
- colon cancer screening
- A stool guaiac or other test for occult (hidden) blood in the stool should be done every year after age 50 (or sooner if there is a family history of colon cancer).
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended every 3 years after age 50 (earlier or at more frequent intervals for individuals at higher risk).
- blood pressure
- Have your blood pressure checked annually.
- weight
- Check weight annually (adults) unless experiencing notable weight losses/gains.
- dental care
- Visit the dentist routinely (every 6 months or so) for dental examinations and cleaning.
Complete adult physical examinations, done on an annual basis and not prompted by some sort of health problem, are rarely cost effective and seldom yield problems not discovered with the recommended screenings. See physical exam frequency.
2. Diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis can be effectively treated when detected early. See your primary health care provider right away if:- a lump or persistent lesion appears on your body
- you have unexplained weight loss
- you have a prolonged fever
- a chronic cough develops (or if you begin to cough up blood)
- continued body aches/pains are noted
Have a plan for obtaining professional care before the need arises.
3. Keep up-to-date on immunizations. Remember, adults should receive periodic "boosters".
|
|
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
|
