Skill 1
Taking Care of Your Body
In the health equation, many people think the doctor is the most important figure. But the truth is, you are the most important part of your body's good health equation. Doctors play a valuable role, but for people in good health, it's the every day decisions that you make that determine how healthy and how well you feel. You can equip yourself with skills and information that can help you:
- Undergo the screening tests you need at regular intervals
- Get the most from your doctor
- Monitor your own health
- Take medications correctly and prevent potentially serious drug interactions
Screening Tests
As we age, our risk for developing serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer increases. Periodic tests can alert us to problems before they become serious or even life-threatening. Here are some of the more important tests you should know about.
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Blood pressure
measures the pressure exerted by the heart as it pushes through the arteries. Pressure is measured by a standard or digital blood pressure cuff, which produces two measurements. The first pressure, called the systolic pressure, represents the initial surge of blood. The second, known as diastolic, measures the resting pressure in the arteries. The numbers are expressed as a ratio such as 125/90.
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be less than 120/80, although readings can vary widely in the same person throughout the day. Since high blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor in heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States, regular blood pressure screenings are an important part of prevention.
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Blood cholesterol level
tests for fats that clog the arteries, causing heart disease or stroke. A total cholesterol of 200 or higher is considered high risk for heart disease. For optimal health, many cardiovascular experts believe total cholesterol should be 160 or below. If your total cholesterol is 200 or higher, you should have your blood sample "fractionated," which provides two additional test figures: the amount of LDL (low density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol") and HDL (high density lipoprotein or "good cholesterol").
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Breast exam
checks for breast lumps, which may indicate breast cancer.
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Colon and rectal
tests for symptoms of cancer of the colon and rectum, men's third leading form of cancer after prostate and lung cancers. Fortunately, colon/rectal cancer is highly treatable if it's detected and treated early. Tests include a digital exam by a physician; a stool sample to detect occult blood; and a flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which the physician inserts a lighted tube into the first 12 inches of the rectum and lower colon to detect tumors and other abnormalities.
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Eye tests
detect changes in the eye, particularly changes indicating glaucoma.
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Hematocrit
tests for anemia, an insufficient number of red blood cells.
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Mammogram
is a breast x-ray to check for breast cancer. A mammogram is effective in detecting breast cancers before they can be felt. No case of breast cancer has ever been linked to exposure to low-level radiation mammography.
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Pap smear
detects changes to cells in the woman's cervix, uterus, and vagina.
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Prostate
screens tumors of the prostate gland.
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Urinalysis
detects blood and bacteria in the urine from tumors and infection, and sugar from diabetes.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
©2003 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030.
www.staywell.com 800 333-3032. All rights reserved.
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