Health screening for preventable diseases is one of the most important things you can do for your health. By getting screened regularly, you can catch health problems early on when they are easier to treat. This guide will discuss the different types of screenings available and why they are so important. It will also cover why so many people skip health screenings. So by the end of this article, you should feel comfortable with preventative health screening.
Why So Many People Skip Health Screenings
Health screenings are essential to maintaining good health, yet many people skip them for various reasons. Some people may not have access to quality healthcare or be unable to afford the cost of screenings. Others may be unaware of the importance of screenings or the risks associated with skipping them. Regardless of the reason, avoiding health screenings can have serious consequences. Screenings can help to detect potentially deadly diseases in their early stages when they are most treatable.
They can also help identify risk factors for diseases, allowing people to make lifestyle changes to reduce their chances of developing a condition. Ultimately, health screenings save lives, and everyone should make an effort to get them regularly.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure is a common condition that can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Fortunately, a simple screening test can easily detect high blood pressure. During a blood pressure screening, a healthcare professional wraps an inflatable cuff around your upper arm and measures your blood pressure using mercury or aneroid manometer. The reading is composed of two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure exceeds this, you may be diagnosed with hypertension. While many treatments are available for high blood pressure, it is important to catch the condition early to prevent serious health complications.
Clinical Skin Examination
A clinical skin examination is a medical procedure in which a doctor or other trained healthcare provider looks at the skin for signs of disease. The examination may be done with the naked eye, using a magnifying glass, or with a dermatoscope, a particular device that magnifies and lights the skin. During the examination, the healthcare provider will look for changes in the skin, such as new growths, color changes, and texture changes.
They will also look for any areas of inflammation or broken skin. Clinical skin examinations are essential for detecting skin cancer early when it is most treatable. In addition, they can help to identify other conditions, such as infections and inflammatory diseases.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of Americans, particularly women over the age of 50. The condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis can be painful and debilitating, and it can have a significant impact on quality of life. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease’s progression and reduce the risk of fractures.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for all women over 50, and you can use several methods. The most common method is a bone density test, which uses X-rays to measure bone density. Other methods include ultrasound and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Talk to your doctor about which screening method is right for you.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, if left untreated. That’s why it’s essential to get screened for diabetes if you have risk factors. There are two diabetes screening tests: the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test. The fasting plasma glucose test is the most common diabetes screening test. It measures your blood sugar after fastening for at least 8 hours. The oral glucose tolerance test is to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.
It measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least 8 hours and then again 2 hours after you have drank a sugary drink. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar will be higher than normal on both tests. If you have risk factors for diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting screened for the disease. Diabetes is a severe condition, but you can manage it with lifestyle changes and medication. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health complications down the road.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is key to successful treatment. There are two main types of breast cancer screening: mammography and clinical breast exams. Mammography is an X-ray exam that can detect tumors too small to be felt by hand. Clinical breast exams are by a healthcare provider and involve a physical examination of the breasts. Most experts recommend that women over 40 have a mammogram yearly, and those under 40 should have a clinical breast exam every three years.
In addition, all women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and should perform regular self-exams. By following these guidelines, women can maximize their chances of detecting breast cancer early and improve their successful treatment odds.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, thanks to screening tests that can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. The two most common colon cancer screening tests are colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy; a colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible tube into the rectum and colon, which allows the doctor to visualize the inside of the colon and remove any polyps that are found.
Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but uses a shorter, less flexible tube that only reaches the lower part of the colon. Both procedures are generally safe and effective, although they may cause discomfort. Doctors typically recommend that people begin colon cancer screening at age 50, although those with a family history of the disease may need to start earlier.
Follow This Guide To Preventative Health Screening!
Preventative health screening is an essential part of staying healthy. By getting screened for serious conditions, you can catch these diseases early and improve your chances of successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you, and stay up-to-date on all the latest recommendations. You can help keep yourself healthy for years to come with a little effort.