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“Make the best of your visit to
the doctor,” says Anjni Bhagat, MD,
board-certified in internal medicine.
“Remember there
is only so much
time that the
doctor can spend
with you. Bring all
your medications
with you and a
list of all your
concerns and
questions. Know your numbers
if you have diabetes, high blood
pressure or high cholesterol. Ask
your doctor what your main health
problem is and what you should
be doing about it, and then set
goals.”
Your doctor can then recommend
which preventive health services
and screenings you should have and
when you should have them.
A little prevention
goes a long way
Which screenings are for you?
Some of the screenings that your
doctor might recommend could
include tests for:
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Cholesterol.
Starting at age 20,
all healthy adults should have their
cholesterol tested every four to six
years. High cholesterol is a major
risk factor for heart disease.
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Blood pressure.
Have this checked
at least once every two years. High
blood pressure increases risks of heart
and kidney disease and stroke.
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Diabetes.
If you have high blood
pressure or you take medicine for
high blood pressure, you should get
screened for diabetes.
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Colorectal cancer.
Most adults
should have their first exam at
age 50. Ask your doctor which of
several available tests are right for you.
Women should also consider
screening tests for breast cancer,
cervical cancer and osteoporosis. Ask
your doctor whether a mammogram
is right for you based on age, family
history, general health and personal
concerns. Your age and health history
determine how often you need tests
that screen for cervical cancer. A
bone density scan should be done at
least once beginning at age 65.
Men should talk to their doctor
about the risks and benefits of
prostate cancer screening. Also, men
who are between ages 65 and 75 and
who have ever been smokers should
ask about screening for abdominal
aortic aneurysm.
Speak to the experts
To find out which screenings are
recommended for you, make an
appointment to see your doctor.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Heart
Association
Anjni
Bhagat, MD
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