TOP 10 HEALTH SCREENINGS

IMPORTANT HEALTH SCREENINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

TOP 10 HEALTH SCREENINGS

BY COASTAL CAROLINA HOSPITAL

We all need to have regular health screenings to make sure we are healthy. There are several that are important, and depending on your age, health, family history and lifestyle choices, you may need to consider other screenings not listed here. However, as a general guideline, these are some of the most important exams for most people.

THERAPY GROUP

Counseling services helps you manage emotions and learn to see things in a different perspective.

Individual Couples Families

Our therapists are SC State Licensed doctoral and master’s-level mental health service providers who specialize in evidence based treatments to assist individuals and couples suffering with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, eating disorder, relational problems, behavioral issues and more.

Philip Searcy LISW-CP

Meet our Team of Therapists

Maria Malcolm PhD, LP Jackie Mathisen MA, LPC Deborah Hall EdD, LPC Pamela Raber LISW-CP

Counselor Jobs Available 843-815-6789

Accepting New Patients | Telehealth Available www.therapygrp.com | Moss Creek Village C-1, Hilton Head Island

1. CHOLESTEROL: More than 30 percent of American adults have high cholesterol. High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, so it’s important to get it checked to know for sure. Your cholesterol numbers are essential for your doctor to help you reduce your risk, map out your treatment plan and mark the progress you are making. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be less than 100mg/dL, HDL (“good”) cholesterol should be above 50 mg/dL in women or 40 mg/dL in men, and triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL. Regular blood work from a primary care physician can help monitor this.

2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. It’s called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Be sure to get it checked regularly. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. A visit with a primary care physician will be able to help determine if you are at risk for high blood pressure.

3. DIABETES: Too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems over time. This can damage your eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Have your doctor check your blood glucose, or blood sugar, regularly.

4. BREAST CANCER: It’s unknown why some women get breast cancer, but there are many risk factors that include obesity, taking birth control pills and more. If you’re over age 50, especially, it’s important to get a mammogram every two years. Women ages 40-49 should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

5. CERVICAL CANCER: Cervical cancer found early may be easier to treat. So having a cancer screening can make a difference. Pap tests every three years are recommended for women ages 21–29. A Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) is recommended every five years for women ages 30-65. Or you can continue to get a Pap test alone every three years.

6. COLORECTAL CANCER: Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. It is common in both men and women. Anyone over the age of 50 should get either a colonoscopy every 10 years or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Alternatively, a stool-based screening can be performed every year.

7. PROSTATE CANCER: The prostate is a small gland in men that produces fluid for semen. Men ages 55-69 should talk to their doctor about whether to get screened. Routine screenings

for men age 70 or older aren’t recommended because the potential risks outweigh the benefits for most men.

8. SKIN CANCER: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Report any unusual moles or changes in your skin to your doctor, especially if you are at an increased risk.

9. OSTEOPOROSIS: Osteoporosis thins and weakens bones. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it is more common in older women. The best way to check for bone health is through a bone mineral density test.

10. LUNG CANCER: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. More than 80 percent of the people who develop lung cancer get it from smoking. If you currently smoke, the best way to lower your risk is to quit.

Other screenings or exams may be appropriate for you. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor about your health and health risks. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. diet, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors affect what kind of healthcare you need and how often you need it.

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH