|
FamilyCare HealthCenter - Health Screenings: early detection means better outcome.
To stay as healthy as possible, FamilyCare HealthCenter recommends the following regular screenings. Screenings provide early detection of health problems, alerting you to follow up with your health care provider to plan an effective course of action.
Regular checkups and preventative services for women | men | children
1] Cancer Screenings
- Women should have a Pap smear annually beginning as soon as they become sexually active or age 18. After three or more consecutive normal Pap smears, the test may be performed less frequently.
- Women should perform a self-breast exam monthly, and have a breast exam done by a professional annually.
- After the age of 50, women should have a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer.
- Men should be checked for prostate cancer annually after age 50 if African American, or if you have a family history of prostate cancer you should be tested before age 50.
- Men and women should be tested for colorectal cancer annually after age 50.
- American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute recommended screenings. (Look for URL)
2] For Adults - cholesterol screening guidelines.
3] For Children www.familydoctor.org
What preventive services do women need?
Check our convenient chart for general preventative care recommendations.
Adult women should have their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked. They also should have a Pap test every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. After the age of 50, women should have a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer. They should also be tested for colorectal cancer. These are routine tests that everyone should have. If your health care provider orders these tests for you, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Your health care provider will also make sure you have all the shots you need.
Your health care provider may give you advice about exercise and diet--for example, how much calcium you need to prevent bone problems, taking folic acid before you get pregnant, and lowering the fat and cholesterol in your diet. Your health care provider may also give you advice about alcohol and drug use, and about sexually transmitted diseases. As you get close to menopause, your health care provider will talk to you about hormone replacement therapy. Your health care provider may also talk to you about ways to prevent injuries, such as using seat belts and having smoke detectors in your home.
Back to TOP
What preventive services do men need?
Adult men should have their weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked. Men over age 50 should be tested for colorectal cancer. If your health care provider orders this test, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. This is a routine test that everyone should have. Your health care provider will also make sure that you have all the shots you need.
Your health care provider may talk to you about the importance of diet and exercise, testing for prostate cancer, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases. Your health care provider may also talk to you about ways to prevent injuries, such as using seat belts and having smoke detectors in your home.
Back to TOP
What preventive services do children need?
Shots are one of the most important preventive services for children. Shots protect children from diseases such as polio, measles and mumps. Your health care provider will check your child to make sure he or she is growing and developing properly. Dental health is also very important. Your health care provider will tell you what you can do to keep your child's teeth healthy.
Your health care provider may also give you advice about how to keep your child safe from accidents and injuries (for example, using car seats and seat belts, and keeping your child away from poisons and electric outlets). Your health care provider will also talk to you about teaching your child healthy eating habits and exercise habits. Your health care provider can tell you how to teach your child about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. You can also ask your health care provider for tips on how to talk to an older child about avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
Back to TOP
Family Medicine | WomenCare | Health Screenings | Newborn & Children
Older Adults | Healthy Lifestyles
About Us | Our Healthcare Team | Resources | Contact Us | FamilyCare Home |
