Staying Healthy

Here’s a resolution that most of us don’t even think of adding to our list each year. Because most of us are “healthy”, we may not think of the need to have certain preventative health screenings. Thinking about your family should be incentive to take these precautionary measures.

The good news will be finding out that you have written assurance that you are “fit and healthy” –if something is detected, equal good news is that you and your doctor can make an immediate plan to bring you back to good health.

As part of the Healthy 100 mission, we want to share some recommended guidelines for health screenings.

BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity. (BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.) You can also find your own BMI with the BMI calculator from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

High Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35 (men) or 45 (women). If you are younger than age 35 (men) or 45 (women), talk to your doctor about whether to have your cholesterol checked if:

• You have diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• Heart disease runs in your family
• You smoke

High Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked frequently. It is the simplest way to ensure you are heart healthy.

Diabetes: Have a test for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

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.

Depression: Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. If you have felt "down," sad, or hopeless over the last 2 weeks or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about being screened for depression.

FOR WOMEN

Cervical Cancer: Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years.  Consult with your gynecologist to determine the plan best for you.

Osteoporosis (Thinning of the Bones): Ask you doctor when a bone density test is right for you. Generally beginning at age 65 screening for osteoporosis recommended.

Breast Cancer: Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.

FOR MEN

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.

Prostate Cancer:  It is recommended that beginning at age 50, men should begin to be tested for prostate cancer. Talk to your physician to determine an appropriate screening plan for you.

NEED A PHYSICIAN OR SPECIALIST? Call the Florida Hospital Friends and Family Help Line 407-303-DOCS (3627).