Time To Get Screened

The warmer months (in the U.S.) are almost here, and that usually means summer fun and traveling. But there are also health awareness months that help to remind us about our health. Besides annual health check-ups, preventative measures should be considered especially if your medical team has mentioned something to you. Screening tests are tests some encourage to aid in the early detection of diseases and conditions. Not everyone needs every screening test (plus there are limitations and adverse effects that can take place) so speak to your health provider candidly about each one that is recommended to you.

Here are some of screening tests performed in the U.S.:

For Newborns (a)

1. Blood spot screening
2. Pulse oximetry screening
3. Hearing screening

For The 2-18 Year olds (b)

1. High Lead levels
2. HIV and STI’s (when applicable)
3. Oral health
4. Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes
5. Vision and hearing tests

For The 18-30 Year olds (c)

1. Annual physical exams
2. Breast exams and Pap Smears (Women)
3. HPV Testing (Women)
4. Testicular exams (Men)

For The 30-50 Year Olds (c)

1. Bone Density Scans (Women)
2. Continued breast exams (Women)
3. Mammograms (Women)
4. Ovarian/Uterine cancer screenings (Women)
5. Prostate Exams (Men)
6. Colorectal Cancer Screenings

For 50+ Individuals (d)

1. Many repeats from the 30-50 age range
2. See additional tests for women (d)
3. See additional tests for men (e)

Once again, speak with your healthcare team about different screening tests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and research any one you would like to learn more about. Be proactive about your health and take good care of the body that God has given you.

References

a) Retrieved from the Newborn Screening Health Resources & Services Admin. https://newbornscreening.hrsa.gov/newborn-screening-process

b) Retrieved from the University of Rochester Med Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/Content?contentTypeID=43&ContentID=children

c) Retrieved from Advent Health. https://www.adventhealth.com/primary-care-plus/blog/recommended-health-screenings-age-and-gender.

d) Retrieved from the University of Rochester Med Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/Content?contentTypeID=43&ContentID=women5064

e) Retrieved from the University of Rochester Med Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/Content?contentTypeID=43&ContentID=men5064