The Power of Preventive Screenings for a Longer, Healthier Life

Taking proactive steps is important when it comes to your health. Making sure you are staying healthy is more than eating right and exercising. Preventive screenings are very important to make sure you are maintaining good health and help in addressing any risks and health issues before they become a major issue.  We will talk about why preventive screenings are essential to maintaining a healthy life, and what screenings you should be thinking about getting done. After this blog you will have a better understanding of the importance of preventive screenings!

What Are Preventive Screenings and Why Are Preventive Screenings Important?

Preventive screenings are health care services that help you stay healthy and detect health problems early. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), screenings help find conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes early when treatment is often more effective and less invasive when caught early. Doing preventive screening can catch problems early and can improve treatment outcomes!

Key Screenings to Get Done

1. Blood Pressure Checks
   • Why: High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer”. It often shows no symptoms. It is important to get checked out because it is the only way you will know you have high blood pressure. If it runs in your family you really should stay on top of your check ups. Can lead to serious health problems. 
   • When: Adults over the age of 18 should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years if it's normal, or more frequently if it’s elevated or if it runs in the family. 
2. Cholesterol Tests
   • Why: High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death. It often shows no symptoms. 
   • When: Younger adults should be screened every 5 years. Ages 45-65 for men and 55-65 for women should have check ups annually and older, should have their cholesterol levels checked more often if needed. Those with risk factors like diabetes may need earlier or more frequent testing. 
3. Colorectal Cancer Screenings
   • Why: It is a screening that looks in the colon and rectum.  This is to catch cancer early.  It is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths. 
   • When: It is recommended for adults the ages 45 and older should get screenings annually. You should also talk to their doctor for recommendations on how often.
4. Mammograms (for Breast Cancer)
   • Why: mammograms can detect breast cancer before you can feel bumps or before symptoms occur. Early detection makes breast cancer easier to treat in most cases. It is the most common type of cancer for women.
   • When: It is recommended to start at the age of 40 and get screenings annually. If cancer/breast cancer runs in your family it is recommended to start screenings at an earlier age.
5. Diabetes Screenings
   • Why: Diabetes screenings can help detect type 1 & 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Early screening can help you avoid complications of diabetes that may occur. 
   • When: recommended to start at the age of 45 and get checked every 3 years. Overweight or obese are at more of a risk and should get tested soon/more often.

How to Stay on Top of Screenings

You can do check ups with your primary care provider to stay on top of recommended screenings. Your doctor will assess you and recommend specific screenings based on your age, gender, and risk factors.  Healthcare plans/insurance often cover preventive services helping the cost of these screenings. This makes it easier to stay on top of your health! 

Conclusion: The Power of Preventive Screenings for a Longer, Healthier Life

Take control of your health by doing preventive screenings. This can detect any potential problems that may turn more serious if they are not caught. Preventive screenings are often painless. In conclusion,  doing preventative screenings will help you live a happier and healthier life. It also will give you the peace of mind knowing you are doing everything you can to take care of your body and health.

References:

CDC. (2022). The importance of preventive screenings. Retrieved from cdc.gov

American Heart Association. (2022). Blood pressure screenings and heart health. Retrieved from heart.org

National Cancer Institute. (2021). Mammogram benefits for breast cancer detection. Retrieved from cancer.gov

American Diabetes Association. (2022). Type 2 diabetes screening guidelines. Retrieved from diabetes.org

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Screening recommendations. Retrieved from uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org