November 4, 2003
-
BASIC SCREENING TESTS YOU SHOULD HAVE REGULARLY
For Men and Women
Colorectal Cancer – Fecal occult blood test every year; flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; barium enema with x-rays every 5-10 years; colonoscopy every 10 years.Blood pressure – Annually if below 130/85; twice a year if over that; more frequently if above 140/90.Cholesterol and blood fats – Every 5 years, everyone 18 and over should have a fasting blood lipid profile, with total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels.Diabetes – Blood glucose testing yearly for adults, and more frequently with risk factors – obesity, high cholesterol or a family history of diabetes.
For Women OnlyCervical cancer – All women who are or have been sexually active should have a Pap test annually till age 65.Breast cancer – Mammography recommended every 1-2 years for women over 40 and every year for women 50 and over.
For Men OnlyProstate cancer – Men over 50 should have annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and a digital rectal exam (DRS).
I try to be very proactive about my health, but sometimes I feel like I’m fighting doctors who could care less. For example, my PCP (a young woman) told me not to bother with the fecal occult blood test, so I had to send for one online. I have had one colonoscopy within the past 10 years and while it was not pleasant, it was bearable even without drugs. (Actually they usually stoke you up with valium.) I got very valuable information these past few years about my lipid profile and have changed my diet accordingly, bringing my triglyceride levels back to normal. Still working on bringing the HDL up. I test yearly for blood glucose levels, as my mother was adult onset diabetic. I get an annual Pap test, though I didn’t know you could quit at 65. Mammograms yearly since I was about 45. I’ve known too many women now who have dealt with breast CA.
Hope you are all in good health and stay that way by making it important.
____Deep Thought: I wish outer space guys would conquer the Earth and make people their pets, because I’d like to have one of those little beds with my name on it.
Comments (9)
Also, did you know that you have to ASK for STD testing (all the specific types) on your gyn. exam?!!!!!
Now that’s outrageous in these times.
If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, why are the majority Western doctors so reluctant to practice preventative medicine?
I agree. My same PCP told me refused to prescribe a bone density check for me in under 2 years. If I’m willing to pay for it, why shouldn’t I be able to get it?
I had quite a year with doctors. I have high blood pressure, high colesterol. Started drug therepy, they wanted me to have an operation for the colesterol. Having side effects with the drugs. I told them all to take a hike, and quit doctors, and their drugs, and went on herbs. better eating habits, and exercise. I am doing much better.
thanks for the reminder — time to book my mamogram. Seems like the docs should ask you if you want testing. Maybe they’re reluctant to automatically schedule tests that HMO’s or insurance won’t pay for so that the patients won’t be upset. if the doc said, “let’s test for STD’s” or whatever, hemight open himself to criticism from the patient for ordering “un-needed proceedures and tests” or the patient might object for other reasons (“what do you mean? Think I have a risky lifestyle? Who do you think you are?”) Still, it is outrageous that we have to always take the initiative. be vigilent. it’s your life. Preventation is key. Awareness is crucial.
It really is hard to keep in good health when doctors won’t even listen to you when you have a clue. Good reminders about what’s needed when!!
I want a little bed with my name on it too!!! Can it be in cow print?
Good for you!! Glad to hear there are proactive people out there. We are the consumers, not the doctors. I think it is time the patients, the doctors, and the insurance companies realized that.
I want a little bed, too, . . . with an orthopedic cushion, and cloud print, .. . . .