A Guide to Predicting Your Medical Future
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Testicular self-exam: Many doctors tell males older than 14 to check themselves for signs of cancer (usually lumps or swelling). The ACS says docs should check for similar signs as part of a routine physical. There's disagreement on that point. Dr. Barnett Kramer, associate director for disease prevention at the National Institutes of Health, says there's no need for doctor-administered exams; federal guidelines agree.
EVERYONE
Blood pressure: Even in young adults, high blood pressure can increase risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Check it at least every two years, says Dr. Evangeline Lausier of Duke University.
Immunizations: "Once people turn 18," says Dr. Vincenza Snow of the American College of Physicians, "they think they're done with shots." They're not. They need a booster for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough every 10 years. College students may need a meningococcal vaccine; some colleges require them. STD tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis—the three most common sexually transmitted diseases—are all on the rise, according to the CDC.
Body-mass index: Have your height and weight checked as part of a regular physical.
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Member Comments
Posted By: Bullsfan @ 01/30/2008 10:09:19 AM
Comment: Oh, and let's put eating disorders vs obesity into perspective. Roughly 7 million people have eating disorders in the US. In contrast, 25% of AMericans are obese. That's 75 MILLION people. Which do YOU think is the bigger heath risk.?
Posted By: njdocisin @ 01/27/2008 3:59:47 AM
Comment: The article also left out skin cancer screenings. People 20-40 should have a clinical skin exam at least every 3 years, people 40+ should have one annually, and all people over the age of 20 should be doing montly self-exams. Kind of a big oversight IMO.
Posted By: Ivhie @ 01/21/2008 7:52:51 PM
Comment: Coronary heart/artery disease is not ONLY a genetic disease. It is a well-known fact that many things can contribute to the health of your blood vessels and heart. Coronary artery disease comes about when plaque forms and builds on the arteries. Although people with genetic predisposition can often build the plaque more quickly, genes are not the only factor. Diet, exercise, and a whole host of other factors also play a role. I'm not sure why hamidbak is so sure that CAD and gum disease are not related, but researchers (yes many researchers, and yes they did medical research studies) have found that people with periodontal disease are almost two times as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Whether it is a direct cause-and-effect is not certain, but I think that results like that would make me want to brush my teeth and get my cavities taken care of. How about you?