As we start the new year, many people make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier foods, or get their finances in order. Another great commitment is to plan (and schedule, if possible) annual health screenings.
The first step you should take is to schedule an annual physical with your family physician. Discuss with him or her what screenings you should schedule in the year ahead, based on your age, sex and risk factors. Below are just some of the examples that you may want to consider when planning.
Mammography screenings are recommended for women ages 40 to 74 every other year, and annually for those with higher risk factors, such as a family history.
Pap tests are recommended at least every three years for women ages 21 to 65.
Bone-density tests to screen for osteoporosis are recommended for women aged 65 and older, and earlier for those at greater risk or with a family history.
Men should be screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50, with PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level testing.
Both males and females should be screened for colon cancer, with colonoscopies recommended every 10 years after age 50 and every five years after the age of 60.
The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.
Finally, in addition to ongoing blood pressure screenings, schedule annual blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1C to detect blood sugar issues, and a Lipid Panel to assess good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. Doctors may also recommend thyroid testing, Vitamin D screenings, and an anemia panel.
Catching diseases and abnormalities in their earliest stages is key to maintaining good health and living a longer life. The list above includes some of the more common examples, but the most important first step in 2024 is to consult with your physician. Get his/her recommendations and then make plans to schedule the screening tests you need at your local hospital.
Catholic Health’s state-of-the art technology is available throughout Niagara County. In addition to the array of services at Mount St. Mary’s in Lewiston, the options at the new Lockport Memorial Hospital offer brand new medical equipment, such as 3D digital mammography equipment, CT scan and an open MRI, which provides great comfort for patients who may experience claustrophobia during exams. Lab testing is offered daily at both facilities, including Saturday and Sunday mornings. Health care options are convenient and accessible, so everyone should take advantage and make time to plan accordingly.
Screenings conducted on a timely basis often catch problems that could develop into something much more serious, or even become life-threatening. Planning ahead for the year will help you stay on track — and most of all stay healthy.