“Checkups and Tests, You Shouldn't Miss”

 

ROUTINE PHYSICAL EXAM: Some people see their doctor every year for a physical to make sure everything is OK. There's debate about whether you need to go that often. In the end, it depends on your:

• Age
• General health
• Risk factors for certain problems

Your doctor will ask you about your health and lifestyle. They'll listen to your heart and lungs and probably get your weight and vital signs.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT: Whether you go for a regular physical or some other checkup, your doctor probably will get your height and weight. They need it to measure your BMI (body mass index). Keeping your BMI in a healthy range helps protect you from things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Your BMI is based on a formula of height and weight. If you're not in the healthy range, your doctor will suggest ways to help get you there.

BLOOD PRESSURE: It’s a measure of the pressure of your blood against your arteries. If it's too high, your chances of heart disease and stroke go up. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80. Doctors define high blood pressure, or hypertension, as 130 over 80 or higher. You should get your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. If it's high, you may have to take it more often. Ask your doctor how often you should have yours taken.

CHOLESTEROL: This is a type of fat in your blood. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. You should get your cholesterol checked every 4-6 years if you're older than 20. Your doctor will likely recommend that you get it checked more often if you’re an older adult, male, overweight, or you have:

• A family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• A personal history of high cholesterol

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING: Tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for blood there or for tissue growths called polyps. If you don't have a high risk for cancer, start to get these tests when you turn 50. Some experts suggest that African American adults should start testing at age 45. Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) should happen yearly. A sigmoidoscopy, where your doctor checks part of your colon, should happen every 5 years. You should have a colonoscopy, where the doctor looks at your entire colon, every 10 years.

BLOOD SUGAR TEST: This is a way to check for diabetes or prediabetes. It's a simple test that measures the level of sugar (also called glucose) in your blood. You should start routine testing once you reach age 45. Your doctor may suggest having it done sooner if you:

• Are overweight
• Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Have had gestational diabetes

SKIN CHECK: It's a good idea to check for any changes in moles, freckles, and other marks on your skin. Experts say you should do a skin self-exam once a month. When skin cancers are found early and treated, they're almost always curable. If you or someone in your family has had skin cancer, it is smart to have your skin looked over regularly by a doctor.

BONE DENSITY: As you age, your bones become thinner and weaker. Over time, that can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, which can make your bones very weak and easily broken. If you’re a woman who’s 65 or older or a man who’s 70 or older, you should have your bone density tested. If your doctor finds that your bones are getting weak, there are treatments available.

Your doctor may suggest that you have this test earlier if you:

• Broke a bone in the past
• Have taken steroids for a long time
• Have rheumatoid arthritis
• Weigh less than 127 pounds
• Have a parent who has broken a hip after a minor injury

MAMMOGRAM: This X-ray test looks for changes in your breasts. Experts disagree on how often you need this test and when you should start. Talk to your doctor about it once you turn 40. They may tell you to wait until you’re 50, or they may have you get your first one right away. Once you start, some experts have you get one every year. Others say every 2 years. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING: There are a couple of tests for this. A Pap test checks for changes in your cervix that could become cancer. Your doctor will use an instrument called a speculum to widen your vagina and take some cells to examine. The HPV test looks for a virus that can cause the cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. It can also be done in a doctor’s office. Talk to your doctor starting at about age 21 about what's best for you. You might get both tests, or just one.

PROSTATE EXAM: Experts differ on how often you should have this test that checks the prostate gland for signs of cancer. Most men will want to start talking with their doctor about it around age 50. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer may want to start the talk between 40 and 45 years old. Most often, the test is a blood test called a PSA test. You may get a rectal exam instead. Your doctor will let you know what’s best for you.

DENTAL CHECKUP: Hopefully you brush and floss every day. But it's smart to also see a dentist regularly so they can look for cavities, gum disease, and other problems in your mouth. You may need to go once or twice a year. It depends on your oral health and what you need to do to keep your mouth and smile looking and feeling good.

REVIEWED BY: Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH, WebMD on January 27, 2020

SOURCES:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: "Breast Cancer (Screening)," "Colorectal Cancer," "Lipid Disorders in Adults," "Obesity in Adults."

American Academy of Dermatology: "Melanoma: Tips for finding and preventing."

American Academy of Family Physicians: "Annual Exams? Tailor Visit Frequency to Patients' Needs," "Summary of Recommendations for Clinical Preventive Services, 2014."

American Cancer Society: "American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms."

American Cancer Society: "Screening Recommendations by Age," "Skin exams."

American Heart Association: "How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested," "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings," “High Blood Pressure.”

CDC: “How and When to Have Your Cholesterol Checked,” “What Should I Know About Screening.”

Giannobile, W. Journal of Dental Research, 2013.

Krogsboll, L. BMJ, 2012.

MouthHealthy, American Dental Association: "Questions About Going to the Dentist."

National Cancer Institute: "Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps."

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: "Diagnosis of Diabetes and Prediabetes."

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Calculate Your BMI."

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis.”

Piedmont Healthcare: "A yearly physical can save your life."

Richards, D. Evidence-Based Dentistry, 2002.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: "Blood Pressure in Adults (Hypertension): Screening," "Breast Cancer: Screening," "Cervical Cancer: Screening," "Colorectal Cancer: Screening," "Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) in Adults: Screening," "Lipid Disorders in Adults (Cholesterol, Dyslipidemia): Screening," "Obesity in Adults: Screening and Management," "Skin Cancer: Screening."

University of California, San Diego: "A Practical Guide to Clinical Medicine: Male Genital and Rectal Exam."

UptoDate: "Definition, risk factors, and evaluation of resistant hypertension," "Screening for colorectal cancer: Strategies in patients at average risk,” “Patient education: Bone density testing (The Basics),” “Patient education: Breast cancer screening (The Basics),” “Patient education: Prostate cancer screening (PSA tests) (The Basics).”

WomensHealth.gov: "Pap test."

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The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

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“All About Menopause and Perimenopause”

Menopause: What Is It? Menopause is the process a woman goes through that causes her periods to end. It's a turning point, not a disease, but it can have a big impact on a woman's well-being. Although menopause can bring physical discomfort from hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms, it can also be the start of a new and rewarding phase of a woman's life -- and a golden opportunity to guard against major health risks like heart disease and osteoporosis.

What Causes It? Age is the leading cause of menopause. It's the end of a woman's childbearing years, brought on by the ovaries gradually slowing down. Certain surgeries and medical treatments can also cause menopause. Those include surgical removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), chemotherapy, and pelvic radiation therapy. Having a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) without removing the ovaries does not lead to menopause, although you will not have periods anymore.

When Does Menopause Start? On average, women in the U.S. are 51 at natural menopause, notes the National Institute on Aging. But menopause can start earlier or later. A few women start menopause as young as 40, and a very small percentage as late as 60. Women who smoke tend to go through menopause a few years earlier than nonsmokers. There is no proven way to predict menopause age. It's only after a woman has missed her periods for 12 straight months, without other obvious causes, that menopause can be confirmed. There are tests that can check your ovaries and spot a decrease in fertility.

Perimenopause: Natural menopause happens gradually. The ovaries don't abruptly stop working, they slow down over time. The transition to menopause is called perimenopause. Menopause is a milestone -- it's the day that marks 12 months in a row since a woman's last period. During perimenopause, it's still possible to get pregnant -- a woman's childbearing years are winding down, and although her periods may become more unpredictable, her ovaries are still working and she still may ovulate, though not always monthly.

What to Expect: Menopause isn't a one-size-fits-all event. It affects each woman differently. Some women reach natural menopause with little to no trouble. Others have severe symptoms. And when menopause starts suddenly as a result of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, the adjustment can be tough. Here is a look at menopausal symptoms that many women have, though the intensity can vary.

Signs: Period Changes - As menopause approaches, a woman's menstrual periods will likely change. But those changes can vary from woman to woman -- periods may get shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, with more or less time between periods. Such changes are normal, but the National Institute on Aging recommends seeing a doctor if your periods come very close together, if you have heavy bleeding or spotting, or if your periods last more than a week.

Symptom: Hot Flashes - Hot flashes (or hot flushes) are common. It’s a brief feeling of heat that may make the face and neck flushed and cause temporary red blotches to appear on the chest, back, and arms. Sweating and chills may follow. Hot flashes vary in intensity and typically last between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Dressing in light layers, using a fan, getting regular exercise, avoiding spicy foods and heat, and managing stress may help you deal with hot flashes.

Symptom: Sleep Issues - Nighttime hot flashes can hamper sleep and cause night sweats. Try these sleep tips:

• Use a fan in your bedroom.
• Avoid heavy bedding.
• Choose light cotton or sheer materials for your nightclothes.
• Keep a damp cloth nearby to cool yourself quickly if you wake up feeling hot and sweaty.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom. They can give off heat.
• Talk to your doctor if your sleep problems don't stop or they bother you.

Symptom: Sex Problems - Less estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and irritation, which may make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. Try using a water-based lubricant. Your desire may go up or down, but many things besides menopause -- including stress, medications, depression, poor sleep, and relationship problems -- affect sex drive. Talk to your doctor if you have sex problems -- don't settle for a so-so sex life. And remember, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) don't end with menopause. You still need to use protection.

Manage Severe Symptoms: If menopause symptoms are a problem, talk with your doctor. She can help you weigh the pros and cons of treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy. Other treatments include low-dose birth control pills if you're perimenopausal; antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, or other medications to help with hot flashes; and vaginal estrogen cream. Your doctor may also have lifestyle tips about adjusting your diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormone replacement therapy can ease some menopausal symptoms. Various prescription products are available to treat hot flashes and vaginal symptoms. The FDA recommends taking the lowest dose that helps, and only for the shortest time because studies have linked long-term use of hormone replacement therapy to a greater risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and breast cancer.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: "Bioidentical hormone therapy" for menopausal symptoms can refer to FDA-approved prescription drugs. Or it can refer to custom-compounded hormones made at compounding pharmacies mixed according to a doctor’s instructions. These may have two or three types of estrogen, often mixed with other hormones. Some doctors claim that compounded bioidentical hormones are safer. The FDA's advice -- take the lowest dose for the shortest time -- applies to bioidentical hormone therapy. Custom-compounded bioidentical products aren't FDA approved.

Alternative Treatments: Interested in trying alternative or complementary treatments for menopause symptoms? According to the National Institutes of Health, there hasn't been a lot of well-designed research on this topic, so the research isn't firm enough to draw conclusions about treatments such as black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, and soy. Talk it over with your doctor, and tell him about any supplements you take so he can check on drug interactions.

Health Risks: With menopause comes a greater chance of heart disease (which is the No. 1 cause of death for U.S. women) and osteoporosis (thinning bones). Loss of hormones may play a role in heart disease after menopause, but hormone replacement therapy is not recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Of course, heart and bone health is important throughout a woman's life, but menopause means it's really time to step up and get serious about it if you haven't already.

Stay Healthy: Living a healthy lifestyle is important throughout a woman's life. And it's not too late to start at menopause. Get a checkup that includes measuring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar and make appointments for vaccinations and routine screenings such as mammograms and bone density. Menopause is also a great time to upgrade your diet, physical activity, and stress management skills -- your doctor can give you pointers as you work together to plan for a healthy menopause.

Active Menopause Is a Must: One of the smartest things a woman can do as she transitions to menopause and afterward is to get regular physical activity. That includes aerobic exercise for her heart and weight-bearing exercise for her bones -- both of which may help ward off weight gain and provide a mood boost. Even if a woman hasn't been very active in her younger years, it's never too late to start. Menopause is a new beginning and the perfect time to weave more activity into your life.

A New Era: Western culture has long been obsessed with youth. But today's postmenopausal women are making the most of -- and even celebrating -- their new phase of life. Instead of looking back mournfully, Christiane Northrup, MD, recommends using it as a time to redefine yourself with positive thoughts, love yourself, explore what brings you pleasure, and revive (not retire) your sex life.

Reviewed by: Brunilda Nazario, MD on July 24, 2018

Sources:

Christiane Northrup, MD, Yarmouth, ME.
Cleveland Clinic's Women's Health Center.
FDA.
Hormone Health Network: “Bioidentical Hormones.”
Kryger, Meir, et al, editors: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. Fourth Edition, Elsevier, 2005.
Kryger, Meir, et al, editors Sleep Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, 2000.
Mayo Clinic.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
National Institutes of Health.
National Institute on Aging.
National Women's Health Information Center.
North American Menopause Society.
Northrup, C. The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, Hay House, 2008.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.
Women's Health Initiative.
Wulf Utian, MD, PhD, consultant in women's health, Cleveland Clinic; executive director emeritus, North American Menopause Society.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.