IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH

Routine Physical Exam

You should have customized health physical exams, at least every 1-5 years,  establish a plan with your doctor. The best age to start testing is at 18.

Blood Pressure

You should have your blood pressure taken along with your physical, not being aware of your blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney problems. High blood pressure is commonly known as the “silent killer”, test every 1-5 years starting as young as 18 years old.

Pap test (includes pelvic exam and Chlamydia test)

The pap test should be taken 3 years after your first sexual encounter, and it should be done yearly after that. After your first encounter changes in the cervix begin to take place, this can lead to human papilloma virus (HPV), the pap test catches this virus at its early stage before it can lead to cervical cancer.

Mammogram

Mammograms should be done every 1-2 years after the age of 40, woman who are at higher risk due to family history should probably start earlier. If you find something on time, you can always benefit from the results.

Lipid Profile (includes HDL, LDL and CRP, among others)

If there is a history of heart disease in your family, then you should start getting tested as early as 18 years old. Even if you have the perfect weight and good blood pressure, having the background in your family puts you in high danger. This should be done every 1-5 years.

Skin Cancer Screening

If you’re a big fan of tanning booths this makes your chances of skin cancer go up, they are even more dangerous, then being out in the sun. Even being out in the sun you should always use protection instead of tanning oils. You should have frequent testes done every 3 years starting at the age of 20-39, and if you do tanning booths perhaps even earlier.

Thyroid Function Test

This test should take place every 5 years starting at the age of 35, although Thyroid is highly common in women and can start at any age. This can lead to high risk health consequences if left untreated.

Blood Sugar Test

Genetics plays a high role in having diabetes, it is still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. Diabetes testing should start at 45 or earlier if you are at higher risk because of family history, and done every 3 years.

Eye Exams

Eye exam should be done yearly, and should start early childhood. If you have family history of eye disease, diabetes or poor health or is taking medications that may produce side effects, you should have exams done more often begin that vision is very sensitive.

Dental Exam

Having regular dental check-up starting at childhood, and done yearly can help maintain a healthy balance overall.