When you are feeling healthy, scheduling a medical check-up can feel like an unnecessary obligation. It might also seem excessive to schedule preventive screenings when your body shows no signs of any problems. The reality is that health issues can arise without any obvious symptoms, and only preventive screenings can identify problematic markers of illness or disease. Take the time to tend to your well-being with critical health screenings to save you from serious conditions.
Connections Between Genetics and Health Screenings
No matter what your lifestyle and habits are, preventive medicine is always important, especially if there are people in your family who have suffered from serious, genetic health problems. Cancer, autoimmune disease, diabetes, mental health struggles, and cardiovascular issues can all pass down from grandparents to parents to children.
Preventive Screenings Can Save Lives
No one ever said a colonoscopy was a good time, but the information this critical preventive screening provides – especially for people at high risk of colorectal cancer – saves lives. Other health screenings do the same, whether they are carried out annually or every several years. Age, gender, family history, and each person’s unique health risks determine the preventive screenings your doctor prescribes. Some of the most common include:
- Colonoscopy. Discover precancerous polyps and abnormal growths before they become colon cancer. People with digestive disorders or inflammatory bowel disease need more frequent colonoscopies.
- Mammogram. Recommended for all women starting at age 40 or earlier if they are high-risk. Problem areas can be discovered before they become noticeable or advanced cancer.
- Prostate exam. A simple blood draw identifies the leading cancer among men before symptoms develop.
- Skin cancer screening. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States but is often highly treatable when discovered early with regular dermatological screenings.
- Cholesterol test. Easy bloodwork delivers accurate cholesterol levels, and any elevated numbers can often be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications, and improved nutrition and fitness choices to minimize the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications.
- Bone density scan. The DXA scan is quick and easy and measures bone density and strength to identify the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and the likelihood of bone fractures. Progressive bone disease not only affects seniors but people with autoimmune conditions are at a higher risk of low bone density.
Get Health Screenings Through Swetech Medical Center
As I get to know you and your unique health, we will naturally come to the decisions that are best for your well-being now and in the future. This will include important preventive screenings. Through these tests, we can safeguard your health, fight disease before it wins, and keep you feeling strong and thriving. Contact my office to schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Jon Swetech, and discuss health screenings and other aspects of your well-being.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
