Photo credit: 123RF/convisum
Do you remember that old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Well, this same concept applies to regular health screenings.
Health care professionals believe that regular health screenings are important in fighting disease. Early detection through screenings can identify problems before they can become more serious – even if you’re not feeling any symptoms. Also, when diseases are caught early, they’re often found in an early stage. So they’re more treatable. And you chance for a cure is much better, too. Ultimately, the greatest benefit of having regular medical screenings is, you’ll live a longer, healthier life.
What Medical Screenings Should You Have?
Medical screening recommendations can vary depending upon your health and family history. Therefore, talk with your doctor about which health screenings you may need.
What Are Some Common Health Screening Tests?
Some health screening tests recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the National Institutes of Health include:
- Blood Pressure – Blood pressure checks help reveal hypertension or high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.
- High Cholesterol – A fasting lipid panel or lipid profile blood test checks your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Men should be screened starting at age 35 and women at age 45.
- Colorectal Cancer – Men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Talk to your doctor about which type of test (fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) you should have and when.
- Breast Cancer – Breast exams performed by your doctor are recommended every 3 years for women ages 20 to 39 and annually for women ages 40 and older. Annual mammograms are recommended for women ages 40 and older.
- Cervical Cancer – Women ages 21 to 65 should have a Pap test every 1 to 3 years.
- Prostate Cancer – Men age 50 and older should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. If you’re African American or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer before age 65, talk with your doctor about starting your testing at age 45. If you decide to be tested, you should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test with or without a digital rectal examination (DRE).
- Type 2 Diabetes – This test is recommended if you have a sustained blood pressure of higher than 135/80 mm Hg.
- Lung Cancer – If you smoke have at least a 30 pack-per-year history of smoking, or if you quit smoking within the last 15 years, you should have an annual screening between the ages 55 to 80.
- Dental – See your dentist at least once a year for an exam and teeth cleaning.
- Vision – See an optometrist (O.D.) or ophthalmologist (M.D.) at least once in your 20s and twice in your 30s. Have your eyes checked at age 40 with regular follow-ups. At age 65 and older, see your eye doctor every 1 to 2 years. If you have health conditions, or a family history of vision problems, you may need more frequent check-ups.
Have Your Feet Screened, too!
Foot checkups are just as important as having health screenings for your body, teeth or eyes. Have your feet checked regularly, especially if you suffer from foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis, bunions, metatarsalgia, or if you have foot pain. Consider scheduling a consultation with Kathy Carandang, founder of the WalkEZStore (located in Greenwood, Indiana), for a health screening of your feet.
As a certified pedorthist, Kathy is a health care professional who specializes in the use of orthotics and footwear to address conditions that affect the feet and lower extremities. She is trained in providing patients with assessments concerning the health of their feet. Additionally, she can develop a treatment plan to address any foot or lower extremity issues you may have.
What Should I Expect During My Feet Consultation?
Kathy will analyze your foot gait. She will explain how your feet are functioning. And she will tell you how your gait may be affecting other areas of your body. You’ll learn what arch type you have as well as where the pressure points are on your feet. After this examination, you will understand why you’re suffering from foot, leg, knee, hip, or back pain.
If you decide to purchase ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics, Kathy can personally create impressions of your feet. These impressions help us fabricate your customized foot orthotics, so they can address the specific needs of your feet. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics have been shown to improve the biomechanics of your feet. They can help you maintain or regain mobility. And they can provide pain relief with every step you take.
Additionally, during your consultation, Kathy can make recommendations about the types of shoes you should wear. She can also alter or customize any shoes you may already own for a better fit.
Already a WalkEZStore Customer?
If you’ve been wearing your ezWalker® Custom Orthotics for over a year, it’s important to come in for a re-evaluation screening to see how your feet are doing. Kathy has found that most people, who have worn their ezWalker® Custom Orthotics for over a year, have likely experienced foot health improvement. Therefore, it may be time to be fitted for a retainer to help keep your feet in tip-top shape.
Don’t forget the health of your feet – schedule your foot health screening today. Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
