Get
Tested: Health Tests for the Whole Family
Good
health begins with a balanced diet moderate to vigorous exercise
on a regular basis and annual checkups, which can identify a
potential problem before it gets started. Make yearly physicals a
part of your family's yearly health agenda, because preventative
medicine is the best medicine.
Below is a checklist of health tests you should incorporate into
your family's health routine:
THE ESSENTIALS
Annual
comprehensive physical exam This yearly routine is
particularly important for school-aged children who need to keep
up on their immunizations in order to be eligible for enrollment
in school. This examination should include:
- Height & weight measurements - Blood
pressure check - Pulse and heart rate check - Proper
lung and respiratory function - Basic eye and hearing check
- Reflex tests - Diagnostic blood tests
Semi-annual dental exams and cleanings
Eye exams Contact lens and eye glass wearers should go once a
year. If your vision is good, these exams can be scheduled every
two years or so.
Foot exams Important for diabetics who can develop dangerous
sores on their feet. See a podiatrist or your primary care
physician. Bunions and bone spurs should also be checked,
especially if you are on your feet a lot or are active in
sports.
MONTHLY
SELF EXAMS:
Women
Breast self-exams Administer this exam at the same time each
month, preferably in the shower. Teenage girls should begin
these exams at the start of their period.
Men:
Testicular exams Since testicular cancer is most prevalent in
young men between the ages of 15 and 35, it's important that
your teenage son understand the importance of this monthly
self-examination.
Both Sexes:
Skin exams Check for signs of skin cancer, which can strike
at any age. Pay particular attention to the number and size of
moles, making note of the following characteristics:
Shape - Be aware of odd-shaped or
asymmetrical moles Edges - A mole's edges should be smooth,
not jagged or irregular Color - Look for discolored patches
(green, tan, white or blue) Size - Anything larger than 1/4
of an inch should be noted
SPECIALIZED TESTS:
Women:
Pap smear Yearly test, administered by your gynecologist (age
18+)
Mammogram Once a year (age 50+, but as early as 35 if there
is a family history)
Men:
Prostate Exam Yearly exam once a man reaches age 50. However,
younger men with a family history of prostate cancer can have
their PSA levels checked during routine physicals.
Women & Men:
Blood pressure Biennially (that's every two years), unless
hypertension is present
Cholesterol Every five years beginning at age 35, however, if
heart disease runs in the family, start earlier (late 20s) and
more often (yearly to biennially)
Resting EKG or Stress Test EKG These diagnostic tests measure
heart function and can be used to identify irregularities in
heart function or the beginnings of heart disease. This test
should be considered if you are obese (30 - 40 pounds over your
ideal weight for your sex, height and activity level) and there
is a family history.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. You should not use this information
to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without
consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may
have regarding your child's condition.
