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Simple Screening Tests for a
Healthy New Year
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Finding and treating medical
problems before they become serious is an important part of good
health. Talking to your doctor about simple screening tests can
help you have a healthy 2011 and can help keep you healthy for
many more years to come.
“Screening tests can find a disease or condition early, making
it easier to treat,” explains
Dr. Sujata Jere, M.D., a
family practitioner with The
Austin Diagnostic Clinic. “Even if you feel healthy, it’s
important to have certain screenings done.”
Some of the common screening tests that all men and women should
ask their doctors about include: blood pressure, cholesterol,
diabetes, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, vision, hearing,
depression and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition,
elderly men and women should ask about screening for dementia, a
condition that causes problems with memory.
Men also need to talk with their doctors about screening for
prostate cancer and how to do a testicular self-exam. Women need
to ask about mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for
cervical cancer and thyroid screening tests.
“There are standard guidelines for when and how often men and
women should have these screening tests,” explains Dr. Jere.
“But when and how often a screening test is done is also
dependent on a person’s individual health history and family
health history. For example, if a woman has a family history of
breast cancer, she may need a mammogram earlier than the
recommended age of 40.”
Dr. Jere recommends bringing a copy of your family health
history with you when you discuss screening tests with your
doctor. Need a tool to help collect the information? The U.S.
Surgeon General’s office created “My Family Health Portrait,” a
Web site that helps you create a personalized family health
history report. Visit
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov
to get started.
It’s also important to bring your immunization records so you
and your doctor can discuss whether you need to have or update
any immunizations, such as a tetanus booster, says Dr. Jere.
“The more information your doctor knows about your health, the
more likely it is that you will receive the screening tests and
health care you need to stay healthy,” she adds.
One of the best times to talk about screening tests with your
doctor is at your annual physical. “Every man and woman over the
age of 18 should have an annual physical exam,” says Dr. Jere.
“That is the perfect time to ask your doctor which screening
tests you need this year.”
Worried about cost? Many recommended screening tests are paid
for by insurance companies. Once your doctor recommends a test,
however, it’s best to contact your health insurance provider to
find out if a test is covered.
“Screening tests are usually simple, quick and painless,” says
Dr. Jere. “By taking the time to be screened now, you may save
yourself from expensive, time-consuming and potentially
life-threatening health problems later.”
Helpful prevention services from
the American Academy of Family Practice:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/prevention/175.html
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Sujata Jere, M.D., is a
board certified family practitioner at The Austin Diagnostic
Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic with more than 120 physicians
representing 21 medical specialties at seven locations throughout
Austin and Central Texas. Dr. Jere practices at the ADC Round
Rock Clinic, 1499B Old Settlers Blvd. Visit www.adclinic.com or
call 512-901-1111 to make an appointment.
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