It is important for people to take preventive care measures, as they get older. The risk of developing diseases and illnesses increases with age. When you neglect going to a primary care doctor for regular tests, you end up going when you the symptoms of the lingering disease become evident. By visiting the doctor on a monthly basis, your doctor will be able to catch the disease when it is in its beginning stages. Some of the tests you should get regularly include:
-
Check Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to a stroke, heart attack, and kidney and eye problems down the line. You may not even know that you have high blood pressure if you don’t go to the doctor for a physical check-up. Your primary care doctor will be able to tell you after they check your blood pressure on how often you should visit them to get your blood pressure checked.
-
Check Your Cholesterol Level
In the United States, heart disease causes the most deaths with the main risk attributed to high cholesterol. Doctors recommend that you check your cholesterol level after four to six years, especially when you turn 20. The doctor will perform a blood test to determine your cholesterol level. People who are 50 and above have a higher chance of developing heart disease, which means they should get their cholesterol level checked more often.
-
Check for Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer
Women who are 50 and above should visit the doctor for a mammogram test each year. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is pertinent that you make sure to get tested. Cervical cancer is another type of cancer if caught early is easier to treat. Women who are 21 and older should get a Pap test every three years.
-
Check for Colon Cancer
After cardiovascular disease, colon cancer is the second most deathly disease to cause death in the United States. As soon as your turn 50, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a colon cancer screening. If colon cancer is detected early, it is easier for doctors to treat. Your doctor can tell you how often you should get it.
-
Check for Osteoporosis
Bone mineral density scan checks to see if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Women who are 65 and above should get this test done whereas for men, it is 70 and older. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, your doctor will tell you to come in for a test at the age of 60.
-
Check for Diabetes
About 28 percent of people in the United States don’t even know they have diabetes, until the symptoms become worse. Diabetes can cause kidney disease, blindness, and can even require a limb amputation. It is important for people to visit their doctor to get tested for diabetes.
Primary Care in Houston aims to educate people about the importance of preventive care. If you want to come in for a test, you can make an appointment online.
