Adult Health

Advising you concerning illness and injury prevention is an important part of our role as your health care providers. The following preventive health guidelines are provided to assist you in your pursuit of wellness. Please feel free to discuss these recommendations with your physician or medical provider.

We suggest periodically seeing your doctor for a preventive health evaluation (physical):

  • Women over 18 years of age (or who are younger, but sexually active) – every year
  • Men age 18-49 – every two to three years
  • Men and women age 50 and older – every year

Screening tests are recommended on a regular basis for healthy people for the following:

(screening may be recommended earlier in those who are at risk)

  • Hypertension – Blood pressure checks as part of every regular health evaluation
  • Cholesterol – every five years after age 35 for men, and beginning age 45 for women
  • Colon Cancer – screening begins at age 50 with stool cards every year and sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (alternative: colonoscopy every 10 years)
  • Cervical cancer – pap smears for woman as part of their regular health evaluations
  • Breast cancer – female breast exams regularly, mammograms every year after age 40
  • Osteoporosis – Bone densitometry for women starting at age 65
  • Aortic aneurysm – abdominal ultrasound for male “ever” smokers age 65-75

Other tests may be appropriate. Discuss any concerns with your doctor:

  • Prostate cancer – PSA blood test
  • Diabetes – Fasting blood sugar
  • Ultrasensitive C-reactive protein – a marker of higher risk for heart attack
  • Bladder cancer – Urinalysis
  • Heart disease – EKG, exercise stress test
  • Sexually transmitted diseases – HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.

Your lifestyle and habits help determine whether you will be healthy or will be at high risk for serious illness and accidents. You can begin to take action on the following health habits now:

  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco and avoid second hand smoke
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation (one drink daily for women, up to two for men)
  • Never drive after drinking alcohol and avoid riding with those that do
  • Do not use illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs
  • Practice responsible sexual behavior
  • Exercise regularly: ideally, aerobic activity for at least twenty minutes at a time at least three times per week
  • Eat a diet low in animal fats (found in high-fat dairy products and fatty meats); emphasize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • Assure adequate calcium intake; men and pre-menopausal women: 800-1000 mg. daily. Post-menopausal women: 1200-1500 mg. (One serving of dairy ~400mg)
  • A daily vitamin can provide the recommended vitamin D (1000iu) and folic acid (400mcg) which is especially important for women of childbearing age
  • An aspirin a day may be appropriate for some people over the age of 50, speak with your doctor or provider to discuss your situation
  • Women should do monthly self-breast exams
  • Men should do monthly self-testicular exams
  • Wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading
  • Use smoke detectors in your home and check them regularly
  • Obey speed limits and wear your seatbelt
  • If you have firearms at home, keep them locked away and separate from ammunition
  • Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher when outside
  • Brush and floss teeth daily and see your dentist regularly
  • Have your eyes examined and tested for glaucoma, especially after age 40
  • Discuss with your provider your feelings regarding end-of-life medical care (living wills, or health care proxies, etc.)

If you are being threatened or abused by someone close to you, speak with your physician or medical provider about what options are available to you.