Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1470097
10 | Health Matters: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center W hen COVID-19 hit, many people stopped getting the preventive health care they need to stay healthy. It's very important to keep your screenings, doctors' visits and vaccinations up to date, now and always. Here are some of the basic screening tests you need, from A to Z. Many of these screenings are part of a preventive visit with your primary care physician. Some are special tests. Talk to your doctor to determine which of these screenings are necessary for you and at what age to start them. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. For men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. This is an aneurysm that happens in the aorta (the part of your heart that carries blood from the heart to the lower body). If an AAA is found early, it can be treated before it bursts. Blood pressure screening. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. Get yours checked regularly starting at age 18—and do your best to keep track of your blood pressure numbers. Cholesterol check. If your cholesterol is high, you can take steps to lower it—like eating healthy, getting more physical activity and taking medicine if your doctor recommends it. The basic recommendation is to get it checked every four to six years unless you are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Colorectal cancer screening. If you're age 45 to 75, get tested regularly for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy can help prevent cancer by finding precancerous polyps and removing them. A less invasive stool-based test is also available for detecting cancer. You may need to get tested before age 45 if colorectal cancer runs in your family. Diabetes screening. People over age 45 who are overweight need to get tested for diabetes. Screening is most often a blood test that checks your blood glucose levels. Your doctor may also recommend you get tested if you're younger than 45 and at risk for other reasons. HIV testing. Everyone age 15 to 65 needs to get tested for HIV at least once. People at higher risk for HIV infection may need to get tested more often. Immunizations. Doses, recommended ages and recommended populations vary: • Chickenpox (varicella) • Diphtheria • Flu • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Human papillomavirus (HPV) • Measles • Meningococcal disease • Mumps • Whooping cough (pertussis) • Pneumococcal disease • Rubella • Shingles • Tetanus Lung cancer screening. For adults 50 to 80 who are at high risk for lung cancer because they 're heavy smokers or have quit in the past 15 years. Mammogram for breast cancer. For women, every one to two years starting at age 35. Pelvic exam with Pap smear. For women, starting when sexually active. Talk to your doctor about how often. PSA test for prostate cancer. For men, starting between 40 and 55—as doctor suggests—to check for prostate cancer. Vision screening. During an eye exam—recommended annually for adults—you will be checked not only for visual acuity and colorblindness but also for signs of serious eye problems, like glaucoma and cataracts. The ABCs of Preventive Care For screening or to find a physician, call 888-HEALING (432-5464). GET YOURSELF TO AN ER You should go to an ER immediately or call 911 if: • You are experiencing severe chest pain or think you are having a heart attack. • Your speech is slurred, any part of your body is paralyzed or you think you are having a stroke. • You're bleeding and can't stop. • You have severe abdominal pain.