Make Checkups Part Of Your Healthcare Plan

Make Checkups Part Of Your Healthcare Plan

This Article is from a staff Writier at Black Doctors.org I thought this was good information to share

The importance of annual physical exams for African American adults cannot be stressed enough. Regular exams can very often help uncover risk factors and problems before they become serious. Plus, if a disease is caught early, treatment is usually much more effective. Ultimately, having regular doctor's visits will help you live a long and healthier, happier life.

Depending on your age, gender and family medical history, a checkup with your doctor may include:

• Blood, urine, vision and hearing tests to evaluate your overall health
• Assessments of your blood pressure, cholesterol level and weight
• A discussion about your diet and exercise habits, and any tobacco, drug and alcohol use
• Immunizations and booster shots
• Screenings to assess your risk of developing certain diseases, including diabetes (if you already have high blood pressure or high cholesterol) and cancer
• Depending on your age and sexual lifestyle, testing for STDs and possibly HIV
• Starting at age 40, screening for colorectal cancer
• A discussion about depression and stress to evaluate your mental health

For men, in addition to checking weight, blood pressure and other basics, your doctor's visit may specifically include:

• Starting at age 40, a rectal exam to check for abnormalities in the prostate and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer

• Between the ages of 65 and 75, if you have ever smoked cigarettes, an abdominal exam to check for an enlargement in your aorta. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weakness in the lining of the aorta (a large blood vessel in your chest and abdomen), can develop with age and become a life-threatening problem.

Women should be checked for the same basics as men, and may also receive the following specific exams during a doctor's visit:

• A test for cervical cancer, called a Pap smear, every one to three years

• A clinical breast exam to check for any unusual lumps in your breasts

• Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a strong family history for breast cancer), a breast cancer screening with a mammogram every one to two years

• Starting at age 65, a referral for a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis, the disease that causes brittle, fragile bones and typically affects older women; women with more than one risk factor for osteoporosis may start earlier

Be Prepared

It's crucial that you to play an active role in getting the most out of your doctor's visits. Before your exam, review and update your family health history, be prepared to ask if you're due for any general screenings or vaccinations, and come up with a list of questions if you have particular health concerns.

During your appointment, don't be shy about getting your questions answered. Also, if your doctor gives you advice about specific health issues, don't hesitate to take notes. Time is often limited during these exams, but by coming prepared you’re sure to get the most out of your checkup.

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By De’Laney Rowland, BDO Staff Writer 26-Mar-2010