Preventative health carecritical to good health. Unfortunately, many health care tests are not done. Taking responsibility to assure proper testing is a team effort between patient and doctor.
As a patient you have more to lose if one of these tests areomited take responsibility to assure that these tests are completed. The best way to do this is to print off a copy of the preventative health care worksheet at (http://www.fastandeasyhealth.com/Communication.html ) and record the dates that each test or screen is done. Discuss each test that has not been done with your doctor.
Below is a list of key preventative tests that each male should have or at least discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Future blog entries will discuss further details about each of the screens.
Cholesterol test - every 5 years starting at age 35, some experts say start at age 20
Diabetes screen every 1-3 years after age 45, those with blood pressure more than 135/85 mm Hg or overweight individuals
Thyroid screenstarting at age 35 and then every five years
STD screen - testing for syphilis and HIV in high risk people. Everyone should be screened for HIV at least one time.
Blood pressure every1 - 2years
Bone density test after age 50 in high risk individuals
Colon cancer at age 50. Done by looking for blood in the stool everyyear, a sigmoidoscopy every five years or colonoscopy every 10 years
Prostate cancer screen blood test everytwo to fouryears starting at age 50
Depression screen every year
Height and weight - every year
More great prevenatative health care information at http://blog.fastandeasyhealth.com