Midway through the year is a good time to check in and check up on your
health. Talk with your doctor about what is appropriate for you based
on age, medical history and health goals.
Annual Physical Exam
During annual physical exams, your doctor typically listens to the heart
and lungs, and checks your weight, pulse rate and blood pressure, which
should be less than 120 over 80. Have your blood pressure checked every
2 years starting at age 18.
Your doctor may also order a blood sugar test to check for diabetes or
prediabetes and a cholesterol lipid panel. The lipid panel measures total
cholesterol, HDL (good), LDL (bad) and triglycerides. For patients without
cardiovascular disease, below 100mg/dL is considered the optimal LDL-C
level. Patients with intermediate risks should keep their LDL-C levels
below 70 mg/dL.
Skin Check
Regular skin checks and safe sun habits help reduce skin cancer risks.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a guide for monthly self-exams.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
According to ACS, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer-related
death in this country and first in adults younger than 50. The ACS advises
patients to get an initial screening at age 45. A colonoscopy should be
done every 10 years or as recommended by your physician.
Bone Density Scan
As you age, bones become thinner, weaker and more easily broken. Women
65 or older and men 70 or older should undergo bone density scans for
signs of osteoporosis.
Mammograms
Screening mammograms should begin at age 40 or as ordered by a woman’s physician if there's
a family history of breast cancer. Women may
switch to a mammogram every other year at age 55.
Cervical Cancer Screening
A Pap test checks for changes in a woman's cervix that could indicate
cancer, typically caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Women should begin
PAP tests at age 21 or when sexually active.
Prostate Exam
Men 50 and older should talk with their physician about having a PSA or
digital rectal exam to test for prostate cancer.
Dental Checkups
Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist once or twice a year to keep
your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
Vaccinations
When and what to vaccinate against has become confusing since the pandemic.
Talk with your doctors about recommended vaccinations for you and your
family, particularly for older adults and children. A vaccination guide
is available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Schedule appointments for mid-year checkups with your primary care physician.
And if you need a doctor, use our directory: https://www.thibodaux.com/find-a-doctor/.