Dr Dulcy gives health advice
SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR: FIND OUT WHAT YOUR PROFILE IS AND WHAT YO NEED TO TEST FOR
Regular screenings for your risk to illnesses can enable early detection and treatment in case of danger. Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe
It is important that YOU take charge of your health starting now!!! Schedule an appointment with your health-care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.
I have included in this article resources to help you and your health-care provider determine what health services and screenings would be best for you.
Regular health screenings and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.
In this way you are taking steps to live a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact on what and how often you need healthcare.
The following are the generally recommended screenings:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Cholesterol Colorectal Cancer Screening High Blood Pressure Diabetes Mellitus Body weight Oral Health for Adults Prostate Cancer Screening HIV/Aids
Breast, cervical cancer detection
Deaths from breast and cervical cancer could be avoided if screening rates increased among women at risk. The tests are simple and pain free. Mammography is available at most private hospitals and provincial government hospitals. Pap smears can be done at your local clinic or general practitioner. Based on risk factors the tests can be done once every three years, thus minimising the cost implications.
Cholesterol
A complete cholesterol test is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and fats in your blood.
A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol levels usually don’t cause any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol test is an important tool. Cholesterol levels often are a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Adults at average risk of developing heart disease should have their cholesterol checked every five years, beginning at age 18.
More frequent testing may be needed if your initial test results were abnormal or if you’re at higher risk of heart disease because you: Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks Are overweight Are physically inactive Have diabetes Eat a high-fat diet Smoke cigarettes Are a man older than 45 or a woman older than 55
Colorectal cancer screening
Screening for colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps should start at age 50 years in both men and women.
The guidelines are different for individuals with any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors, and they should undergo a colonoscopy at an earlier age and more frequently than average risk individuals: Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps Family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome Personal history of colorectal cancer Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease) Tests that detect adenomatous polyps and cancer, and their recommended frequency, are: Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years Colonoscopy every 10 years Double-contrast barium enema every five years Computed tomographic (CT) colonography every five years
Hypertension and diabetes mellitus
An important aspect of lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), is managing health behaviours and risk factors, such as diet quality, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol or blood glucose.
Some measurements are taken during routine medical consultations and some cardiovascular screening tests begin at age 20.
The frequency of follow-up will depend on your level of risk.
Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured.
High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease
and stroke. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, be sure to get it checked at least once every two years, starting at age 20.
If your blood pressure is higher, your doctor may want to check it more often.
High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.
High blood glucose levels put you at greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems including heart disease and stroke. If you’re overweight AND you have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood glucose test. Your healthcare provider may also measure glycated hemoglobin A1c levels (A1c %) to estimate risk of prediabetes or diabetes.
Body weight
Your healthcare provider may ask for your waist circumference or use your body weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI) during your routine visit. These measurements may tell you and your physician whether you’re at a healthy body weight and composition. Being obese puts you at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and more.
Adult oral health
Many medications can affect oral and overall health and untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Older teeth are still susceptible to decay, so it’s vital to continue a thorough oral hygiene programme that includes twice daily brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and exams.
Mature teeth are more prone to decay around older fillings and at the gum line (root caries).
Fluoride in toothpastes, mouth rinses and many communities’ water supplies are still important tools for reducing the risk for cavities. The risk for tooth decay also increases in people with dry mouth (xerostomia) that can be caused by medications or radiation therapy to the head and neck. A dentist or physician can suggest a variety of strategies that can help patients with dry mouth.
Untreated gum (periodontal) disease may progress slowly and cause little or no pain, but undetected can damage the gums and supporting jawbone, leading to receding gums and loose teeth and tooth loss.
Lack of dental hygiene, tobacco use, poor diet choices and medical conditions can also make periodontal disease more severe.
Cases of tender or swollen gums, receding gums, loose teeth, bite changes or changes in the way dentures fit, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can be warning signs that need to be evaluated by a dentist. Periodontal disease may also be linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory problems. Those who smoke or use smokeless tobacco have an increasing risk for developing oral cancer as they age. In its early stages, oral cancer may be difficult to detect.
Prostrate health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (not counting skin cancer). It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. Many of the risk factors for prostate cancer, such as your age, race, and family history can’t be controlled. But there are some things you can do that might lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can often be found early using a simple blood test, but it’s not clear if the benefits of testing all men for prostate cancer outweigh the risks, such as finding (and treating) cancers that probably never would have caused any problems. Because of this, it’s important to talk to a health-care provider about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening.
HIV/Aids
Testing for HIV is very important because it is beneficial for you to start treatment as soon as possible after a positive diagnosis.
It prevents disease progression in yourself and also minimises the risk of you infecting your partner.
Knowing your status allows you to make better decisions about your health and wellbeing.
Lifestyle and family history plays a role in life expectancy