You may have heard the old saying that prevention is the best medicine. It is actually better than any medicine! That’s because preventive screenings are one of the best ways to take care of your health.
What are preventive health screenings?
Along with your annual checkup, health screenings are an important part of preventive care.
Screenings are specific tests or exams that look for health issues before you even notice any symptoms. Doctors can check things like cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and even look for signs of diseases like cancer.
The big benefit: Finding problems early makes them easier to fix or treat.
It’s like checking a roof for leaks. If you catch the leak early, you can repair it before it damages the ceiling or walls.
Who should get screened?
It’s not true that only older people need health screenings. Everyone can benefit, so a good first step is to talk with your doctor about them.
Your doctor will recommend the right tests for you based on your age, gender, health history, and risk factors (such as whether you smoke). There are some tests that are specific to men (like screening for abnormalities of the large artery in the abdomen for men who smoked and are between age 65-75) or women (like mammograms and Pap smears/HPV testing).
What happens during a screening?
Most screenings are done in your doctor’s office or clinic. How they are done depends on the problem the doctor is checking for. For example, a screening could be a blood test, a physical exam, or a list of questions your doctor asks you.
Types of health screenings
Here are five of the more common health screenings:
Blood pressure check
During this screening, a doctor or health care provider wraps a cuff around your arm, pumps it with air, and then slowly deflates it. The monitor shows your blood pressure numbers. These numbers tell you how hard your heart is working as it pumps blood. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease and other problems.
Cholesterol level
Cholesterol is a type of fat in your body. We all need some of it to stay healthy. But too much of it can clog your blood vessels and lead to problems with your heart. For this exam, a doctor or nurse will take a small sample of blood from your finger or arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Cancer screenings
These tests look for signs of cancer early. Examples include mammograms (for breast cancer), Pap smears and HPV testing (for cervical cancer), and colonoscopies (for cancer that starts in the colon or rectum).
Depending on the type of screening, your doctor may give you a physical examination, order laboratory tests, or use X-rays or other special equipment to take pictures inside your body.
Blood sugar tests (also known as blood glucose tests or Hemoglobin A1C tests)
These tests involve taking a small blood sample from your finger or arm and checking if your blood sugar level is too high or too low. It is important because high blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes. Detecting diabetes early can prevent complications like problems with your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Bone density tests
In a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, you lie on your back on a padded table as a machine passes over your body. The machine uses a low dose of X-rays to measure how strong and thick your bones are. Weak bones can break easily.
Remember, getting recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and they don’t cost you anything. So why not get screened today?
Tips for getting health screenings
- Talk with your doctor about what screenings you need and when. They will guide you based on your age, gender, and other factors.
- Book an appointment in advance to make sure it fits into your schedule. Let the doctor’s office know if you will need an interpreter during the visit.
- Know your family history. Some health problems, like diabetes and certain types of cancer, often run in families. Make sure you tell your doctor because this information can affect the type of screenings they recommend.
- Follow instructions. Some screenings require fasting (not eating or drinking) before the test. And it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to the appointment.
- Ask questions during the visit. It’s common for people to feel a bit nervous, anxious, or even afraid when going in for a screening. If you are unsure what is being done, ask your doctor or provider to explain.
- Follow up. Review the results with your doctor. If any issues are found, follow their advice on what to do next.
More information
This government website has some good tips about how to get ready for your screening and what questions to ask your doctor for different types of tests: www.health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-screened
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