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Check your checkups W
hen was the last time you went to a doctor
while feeling completely healthy? A doctor visit may seem like an extra expense now, but catching a disease early through regular screening and checkups translates to lower costs and a better treatment outcome. Everyone needs regular checkups but the medical tests you may need to take differ slightly among age groups. Be one step ahead of possible illness and start your year right by scheduling your next appointment ASAP! This issue enumerates the basic tests – grouped by age range – that you have to ask your doctor about. Of course, your doctor may recommend additional tests based on other factors, such as individual profile and family history.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes Orange de Guzman, MD
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If you’re 20 to 30 years old: previous levels were high. You can have the following measured initially: total cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad’ cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol; and triglycerides (another form of fat in your blood).
• Weight determination You may take it for granted, but step on that scale. Scales in clinics and hospitals are usually more accurate. Keeping a healthy weight prevents a multitude of diseases later on in life. • Skin evaluation Your doctor should conduct a thorough examination of your skin to look for suspicious-looking moles and other lesions at least once every 3 years. On your own, check your skin monthly for anything out of the ordinary. • Eye test Don’t forget to have two of your most important tools checked regularly, particularly when you start developing vision problems. • Blood pressure determination High blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for heart disease, as well as stroke, kidney
disease and eye problems. Have your BP taken at least every 2 years and if your BP is less than 130/80 mmHg. If you have higher BP or have other risk factors for heart disease (diabetes, high cholesterol), have yourself screened more frequently.
At every visit to the doctor, ask about immunizations that you need. Make sure your immunizations are updated; many types need booster shots.
• Cholesterol tests Get your levels checked at least once every 5 years, more frequently if your
• Breast exam (women) Learn how to do breast self-examinations, and perform these monthly starting at age 20 years. Examine your breasts 1 week after your menstrual cycle so your breasts are not sore or swollen. If you find anything unusual, like a lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. You should also have a clinical breast exam done by a doctor every year. • Pelvic exam and Pap smear (women) An annual pelvic exam and Pap smear will help catch cancer and other diseases early. In sexually active women, Pap smears should be taken every 1 to 3 years. Even if you are not sexually active, you should have one no later than 21 years of age, and one at least every 3 years after the first. • Testicular exam (men) Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men – an annual testicular exam is crucial to early detection and cure. Also, don’t forget to examine your testicles every month.
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If you’re in your 40s:
If you’re in your 50s:
• Weight determination
• Weight determination
• Skin evaluation
• Skin evaluation
• Eye test
• Eye test
Go for an eye test every 1 to 2 years to
• BP determination
check for common problems like presbyopia,
• Cholesterol tests
glaucoma and macular degeneration.
• Blood sugar
• BP determination
• Breast exam and
Your BP may start to rise at this time, but it
mammogram (women)
can be lowered through diet, exercise and, if
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear (women)
necessary, medication.
• Thyroid hormone test (women)
• Cholesterol tests
Get a thyroid test at age 50 and then every
• Blood sugar
5 years. An aging thyroid can cause a variety
Get a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test, and
of problems, particularly in women.
then at least once every 3 years.
• Rectal exam
• Breast exam (women)
Men and women need to have one every
• Mammogram (women)
year to screen for colon problems. The rectal
They may be uncomfortable, but annual
exam also detects prostate abnormalities in
mammograms are valuable in detecting breast
men.
cancer early.
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test (men)
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear (women)
The PSA test, combined with a rectal exam,
• Testicular exam (men)
can effectively detect prostate cancer.
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Don’t forget to screen for STDs
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f you are sexually active, particularly if you have had multiple sex partners, you should have yourself screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One of the most common STDs is chlamydia – have yourself tested if you are 25 or younger and sexually active. Other STDs include gonorrhea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes and hepatitis B. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about screening – and vaccines – for these other diseases.
A slice of trivia The all-important Pap smear is actually a nickname of sorts; the longer term is the name of its Greek inventor. What is ‘Pap’ short for? Freshen up on your researching skills, e-mail us the answer at orange@activelink-consult.com and win a prize! From those with the correct answer, 20 people will be randomly chosen to win a gift pack from ActiveLink. We’ll include the answer in the next issue of A Slice of Orange.
Answer to last issue’s question: The more common term for a myocardial infarction is ‘heart attack’. ‘Brain attack’, on the other hand, is another term for what medical emergency? Hint: It starts with an S and is a possible complication of high BP.
A stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the brain are blocked or rupture. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die within minutes. This is why a stroke is considered an emergency. A stroke can cause paralysis, inability to talk or
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2009 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 104 VA Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, 1229 Philippines T: +632 817 4606 / 817 7900 www.activelink-consult.com
understand, etc. People who have high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and those who smoke are more at risk for strokes.
The Orange wants to he ar from you! Dying to ask us your health related questio ns? Itching to share your pe rsonal health tips? Want to sugg est topics for future issues? Feel free to contac t us. You can e-m ail our team at orange@activ elink-consult.c om.