Prepping for the trip of your lifetime
How health screenings can help you enjoy the ride
When you think about your life there are probably many things you want to accomplish, experiences you want to have, places you want to go, people you want to meet, and items you want to check off your bucket list. Life is a journey, a trip that we hope will be filled with love and adventures. Make sure your bags are packed and your health screenings are up to date in order to experience life to the fullest!
A roadmap for your health
Health screenings and annual physicals are an important part of maintaining good health throughout your lifetime. They can detect problems early, when chances are better for successful treatments and survival rates are high. Annual health checkups and screenings can keep you living life to its fullest.
- Colon cancer has very few symptoms early on but is very treatable if caught in the early stages
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US but can be prevented and controlled with routine health screenings
- Catching diabetes early can help you manage it and avoid many complications
- 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is key to provide optimal treatments options and outcomes.
Manage roadblocks
As adults, we tend to put our own health last. There are many “roadblocks” and excuses that might keep us from getting the annual screenings we need. Some of us lead busy lives and it just doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day. Many may feel that if there are no warning signs and they feel fairly good, then there is no need to screen. Some of us are reluctant to go to the doctor because we are apprehensive about what could be found. Others may find that financial or transportation concerns keep them from putting their health first.
Many of your worries and challenges can be overcome with a little communication, preparation, and planning. Your primary care physician can address any concerns you may have about screenings and can recommend resources available to you. Keep in mind that early detection and getting a handle on any issues early can save you time and money in the long run.
“Stops” to make along the way
It’s never too late to get the screenings you need. The first step is to visit your primary care physician for an annual wellness check where you will discuss your risk factors and the other screenings you need. If you don’t have one, there are many in various locations that are accepting new patients with CMC Primary Care. Are you late on a milestone screening? It’s never too late to put your health first. Don’t let a delayed screening or nervousness around it stand in the way of you and better health.
Annual wellness check
This first stop in your healthcare journey is an opportunity to discuss your overall health with your doctor and check those important numbers like your blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Your doctor should also do a full-body skin check to look for suspicious moles or lesions.
Pap smear/ pelvic exam
Women should get a pap smear every three years beginning at the age of 21 to screen for cervical cancer. Your OBGYN will likely also do a breast exam to search for unnatural lumps.
Testicular exam
Men may have a testicular exam during their annual physical to look for discoloration, lumps, or unnatural changes.
Mammogram
All women over 40 should have a mammogram every year for early detection of cancer.
Colonoscopy
All patients 50 and above should have a colorectal screening at least every 10 years or more if they are at higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Prostate Exams
Men should start having prostate exams at the age of 50 unless they are deemed a higher risk for prostate cancer and then you should start these exams at the age of 40.
Vaccines
As you age there are various preventative vaccines you will need for shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and other ailments. Vaccines can either prevent you from getting sick or greatly reduce the effects of the illness if you do contract it. If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you may need other vaccines as well. Your primary care provider can help you stay on top of these and other forms of prevention.
Let CMC be your co-pilot
If you haven’t checked in with your primary care provider since before the pandemic, now’s the time to schedule an appointment. It’s important to put yourself and your well-being first because early detection and regular monitoring are crucial to treating many ailments and diseases. The providers at CMC Primary Care are happy to offer health screenings that will give you a complete picture of your health and provide you with the opportunity to be proactive when changes and problems occur. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags; the trip of a lifetime begins now!
